How Aaron Rodgers Addressed Offseason Link To Steelers’ Week 4 Opponent

During the offseason, it seemed feasible that the Pittsburgh Steelers could face Aaron Rodgers in Week 4.

Much speculation spread over the MVP quarterback’s future after the New York Jets released him. The Minnesota Vikings surfaced as a potential landing spot for Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in June.

Rather than joining the Vikings, Rodgers will get another chance to face his former NFC North foe when Pittsburgh plays Minnesota in Dublin, Ireland. Before Sunday’s matchup, the 41-year-old discussed the offseason Vikings link.

Rodgers told reporters Wednesday that he used to work out with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, but talks about working together didn’t get serious.

“I’ve known him forever. We’ve been friends forever, and we keep in touch,” Rodgers said of O’Connell. “He’s one of the guys I keep in contact with. Things never progressed farther than catch-up conversations. And I’ll leave it at that.”

The Vikings would have presented an intriguing landing spot for Rodgers. Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks after leading Minnesota to a 14-3 season.

Playing alongside O’Connell and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson would be a tantalizing prospect for any quarterback. Outside of the Steelers, the Vikings may have been Rodgers’ only other chance to play for a contender.

Minnesota instead signed Carson Wentz to back up J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire 2024 rookie season with a torn meniscus. A foot injury has sidelined McCarthy this month, so Wentz will draw his second straight start after steering the Vikings to a Week 3 blowout win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Rodgers can guide the Steelers to a 3-1 start with an international triumph over the Vikings. Sunday’s game begins at 9:30 a.m. ET on the NFL Network.

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