Aaron Rodgers' ex-teammate gives clear verdict on Vikings ditching former MVP for JJ McCarthy

The Aaron Rodgers saga ended last week after the veteran quarterback finally signed his one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While this partnership raised many eyebrows around the league, the Steelers longed for Rodgers for several months until they finally agreed with the four-time MVP.

At some point, the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants were mentioned among the potential landing spots for the former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets playmaker.

The NFC North franchise was widely regarded as his best destination, considering that they have a solid roster that boasted a 14-3 record last season and a good coach in Kevin O'Connell.

However, after giving the keys to the car to Sam Darnold last season, the Vikings decided to move on with their rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. He missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.

During Tuesday's episode of "The Facility," James Jones, a former Rodgers teammate in Green Bay, said the Vikings made the right decision, favoring McCarthy over the veteran.

"Ride with the young boy. I do not think they are going to regret it. You drafted this dude 10th overall. Let him go out there and play. You did not know you were going to win 15-14 games last year. You ain't know, none of that ... You drafted this dude 10th overall to develop him to be your franchise quarterback...

"I absolutely love the decision for them to say we are going with this young boy. We are going to let him play. He has really good weapons around him. I'm a really good offensive coach, and Kevin O'Connell let him go spin. I think Aaron Rodgers would have slowed all that down."

J.J. McCarthy allegedly spent what would have been his rookie season learning from the offense and defense, instead of staying at home for his recovery. That might have played a role in this decision.

Cam Heyward sends message to Aaron Rodgers after calling out the QB's off-field practices

Months after saying he wouldn't do any darkness retreat with Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward shared his thoughts on the quarterback joining his squad.

"I think it's good. He brings the leadership ... Dude's a four-time MVP. That's nothing to look over. Got a chance to meet him. Very nice and approachable. Just excited to get down to business. He's going to teach a lot of the offensive players about how to go about business, and that's what we need."

This is an intriguing season for Aaron Rodgers, who might be playing his final year in the NFL.