Aaron Rodgers to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025.
When the Green Bay Packers traded their four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets after the 2022 season, fans couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. After all, 15 years earlier, the Packers made a similar move with Brett Favre, Rodgers’ legendary predecessor.
Green Bay’s frustrations with Favre’s constant retirement teases led them to officially name Rodgers as the starter in 2008. When Favre changed his mind, the Packers welcomed him back but only as a backup to Rodgers. Unhappy with the demotion, Favre was traded to the Jets.
Brett Favre’s Journey from the Jets to the Vikings
After the Packers sent Favre to New York in exchange for a conditional draft pick, he had a decent year with the Jets, throwing for 3,472 yards and 22 touchdowns but also leading the league with 22 interceptions. He retired again after the 2008 season, only to return as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings.
Favre’s first year in Minnesota was a resurgence, with career-high statistics and a 107.2 passer rating. However, he threw a crucial interception in the NFC Championship game that cost the Vikings a Super Bowl berth. His second season in Minnesota was plagued by struggles, ending his consecutive games streak and signaling the end of his career. Eventually, Favre retired as a Packer and was honored by the team with his jersey retirement.
Could Rodgers Follow the Same Path?
When Rodgers joined the Jets, fans joked about him retracing Favre’s post-Packers trajectory. What started as humor might now be becoming a reality.
The Jets have faced a chaotic season. After starting 2-3, head coach Robert Saleh was fired, and the team has since gone 1-5. Despite acquiring former Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, the offense has remained ineffective.
Jets owner Woody Johnson recently fired general manager Joe Douglas, reportedly because he plans to step back and align with Donald Trump’s new administration. Johnson allegedly wanted Rodgers benched early in the season, believing his performance was dragging the team down, but the coaching staff and Douglas persuaded him otherwise. With both Saleh and Douglas now gone, Rodgers’ future in New York looks uncertain.
A Potential Move to Minnesota in 2025
If Rodgers is released after this tumultuous season and still wants to play, the Minnesota Vikings could be an appealing option. Their current quarterback, Sam Darnold, is performing well but is on a one-year contract, while rookie JJ McCarthy is recovering from an ACL injury.
Should the Vikings need a seasoned veteran to bridge the gap and mentor McCarthy, Rodgers might fit the bill. Considering his competitive nature, a move to Minnesota could also serve as an ironic twist in his career, mirroring Favre’s journey.
In 2025, fans might witness history repeating itself with another iconic Packers quarterback donning a Vikings jersey.
