Free agency quarterback Aaron Rodgers signing with the Minnesota Vikings appeared to be a serious possibility until Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the organization was ending its chase and moving on.
That presumably puts the team in the hands of J.J. McCarthy, whom the Vikings picked with the 10th choice in the 2024 NFL Draft and sat behind Sam Darnold after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear in August.
However, that leaves only two quarterbacks on the roster, McCarthy and Brett Rypien, who have combined to start four games, which is why CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin expects Minnesota will sign Jameis Winston.
“Carson Wentz is another big-armed journeyman who makes sense here, especially given his Midwestern roots,” according to Benjamin. “Winston is a little younger with more recent starting experience, but Kevin O’Connell would appreciate his aggressive leadership in the same room as the still-developing J.J. McCarthy.
Winston started seven of the Cleveland Browns’ 12 games in 2024, completing 181-of-296 passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while posting an 80.6 passer rating.
Throughout his 10-year career, where he’s made one Pro Bowl, he has proven to be at least entertaining, even if he does have a tendency to turn the ball over, throwing for a total of 24,225 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions.
If this scenario becomes a reality, the Vikings will at least have a seasoned quarterback alternative on the roster in case McCarthy isn’t ready by Week 1.
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