Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Aaron Rodgers as he’s focused on doing what’s best for the ‘future’ of the franchise.

Rodgers, who finally signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, was linked with a move to the Vikings after being released by the New York Jets back in March.

Reports suggested Minnesota was the 41-year-old’s preferred landing spot, yet O’Connell has instead opted to go with JJ McCarthy, 22, as his starting quarterback for next season.

And the Vikings coach says he explained his thinking to Rodgers, whom he considers a good friend after knowing each other for close to two decades.

‘When there was an opportunity, when him and I connected this offseason just to kind of talk about what that would look like, we had a lot of great dialogue about it, but it always was centered around what was best not only for the present in the Minnesota Vikings organization, but the future,’ O’Connell said about the four-time MVP on Minneapolis radio station KFAN-FM 100.3.

O’Connell says he did what’s best for the ‘future’ of the franchise by going with JJ McCarthy

McCarthy, 22, has been promoted to starter over a year after being drafted by the Vikings

‘I was very honest about my feelings toward’s JJ, my obligation that I felt like we were going to give him the best possible situation to begin and thrive on this NFL journey and let’s see where it goes. We stayed in touch and had some communication.’

He then added: ‘Out of respect for our friendship and everything, that’s about as much as really kind of happened. I still talk to him and the next time I talk to him it’s going to be the same old, same old.

‘He’s different than people probably think, but I think that’s all part of it in this day and age.’

Minnesota went 14-3 with Sam Darnold at quarterback last season, before the 27-year-old Pro Bowl selection signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

McCarthy is now set to be promoted and fill the void left by Darnold over a year since he was drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick.

‘He’s having a great spring,’ O’Connell said about his new quarterback. ‘We’re pretty darn close to having a good feel for where he’s at. 

‘He’s had a great offseason. He’s healthy, strong, throwing the ball great, fundamentals — everything you hope for in the spring.’