Dan Orlovsky strongly suggests the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell to pick JJ McCarthy over Aaron Rodgers

Former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky wants the Vikings to start JJ McCarthy and not to sign veteran Aaron Rodgers because he is a good fit for the Steelers.

Dan Orlovsky strongly suggests the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell to pick JJ McCarthy over Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers and Dan Orlovsky (Image via IMAGO/X)

Three teams showed interest in Aaron Rodgers when the free agency began. According to reports, the Minnesota Vikings created a slight distance from their competitors, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, in the last few days. However, Dan Orlovsky wants the Vikings to stay away from Rodgers and focus on their young QB JJ McCarthy.

Many were surprised to hear the Athletic’s Dianna Russini’s revelation that the Vikings are 50/50 on signing Rodgers as their next quarterback, including Orlovsky because he wants O’Connell to give McCarthy a chance to prove himself.

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Orlovsky argued that the Vikings got rid of Sam Darnold, who led them to a 14-3 season because they and the fans are more interested in the CFP-winning young QB. At this juncture, bringing in a 41-year-old Rodgers makes little sense.

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I have been outspoken; if I were Minnesota or in that building, I would not do that. There’s nothing negative against Aaron [Rodgers]. I just feel that once Minnesota let Sam Darnold walk out of their building, they made a clear line of demarcation. We are moving forward with JJ McCarthy, and I think that’s the right decision.

Dan Orlovsky told Kay Adams on Monday’s segment of Up & Adams

Orlovsky views the Vikings as a quarterback-friendly team. Darnold, once considered a draft bust, threw 30+ touchdowns and 4000+ passing yards and earned a call-up to his first Pro Bowl. However, it’s better for a new and unproven quarterback to take over in the Twin City instead of the 4x NFL MVP.

Do I think if Aaron goes there, he would play well? I think a lot of quarterbacks that go to Minnesota would play well. But I think just in that moment, Minnesota, let’s go to the future.

Dan Orlovsky said

Dan Orlovsky has been against Aaron Rodgers signing with the Vikings for a while

It’s like life is coming full circle with Rodgers closely linked with the Vikings. Many are comparing it with his predecessor Brett Favre’s career, who followed the same path, playing for the Packers, Jets, and then the Vikings.

Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

While Favre sees no issue in Rodgers joining the Vikings, Orlovsky believes it will be the wrong move that will hamper the growth of McCarthy as a future starter.

[The Vikings] is more than likely J.J. McCarthy’s football team, and we want it to be J.J. McCarthy’s football team. ‘ Aaron [Rodgers] comes with a lot; whether people like it or not, it’s a lot.  Do not bring that into your building.  Do not bring that into your football team.

Dan Orlovsky said on a segment of ESPN’s Get Up

Orlovsky picks the best team for Aaron Rodgers

Before the Vikings came into the frame, Rodgers was strongly considering a move to the Steelers to link up with Mike Tomlin. The Steelers also showed interest in him and wanted to take the talks to the next round, but Rodgers kept his distance. As a result, they re-signed Mason Rudolph, who played for the Titans in 2024.

Rudolph is still considered a backup at Pittsburgh as the brass is still waiting for an answer from Rodgers. From Orlovsky’s point of view, the Steelers are the perfect match for Rodgers.

I think he goes to Pittsburgh… You don’t have to go and be everything. You just have to go play really good quarterback. I think because of the receivers, you can. And because of the defense, that’s a good unit. You can win a lot of games.

Dan Orlovsky added

No one knows the inner workings of Aaron Rodgers’ head, but he can still sling the football even at his age. Last year he threw 28 touchdowns and 3800+ passing yards for the Jets, just one year after tearing his ACL.

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