Kevin O'Connell reveals conversation with Aaron Rodgers on joining Vikings before 4x MVP's move to Steelers

Luckily for the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold enjoyed the best season of his career after signing a one-year contract. The Vikes had to decide whether to stick with Darnold or use J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined by injury during his rookie season, coming into this offseason.

Additionally, Minnesota got linked with another veteran passer, Aaron Rodgers. The speculations suggested Rodgers could lead the offense while McCarthy learns behind him. For a while, that seemed like a real possibility before the Vikings made McCarthy the starting quarterback.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has provided an explanation for Minnesota's decision not to pursue Rodgers, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.

Speaking on the KFAN1003 production channel's iHeartRadio on Friday, O'Connell highlighted his relationship with Rodgers and the discussion he had with the seasoned quarterback earlier in the offseason.

"When there was an opportunity — when him (Rodgers) 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.

"I was very honest about my feelings towards J.J. McCarthy, 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. Out of respect for our friendship and everything, that's about as much as really kind of happened."

Considering Darnold's departure to the Seattle Seahawks and McCarthy's return from a season-ending injury, it made sense that Rodgers was heavily linked with a move to the Vikings. The four-time MVP never visited Minnesota, though, and the Vikings never made an offer, so it seems like nothing significant happened there.

J.J. McCarthy has full support from Kevin O'Connell

According to Kevin O'Connell, he is pleased with J.J. McCarthy's performance during OTAs. The Aaron Rodgers rumors have been dispelled, and the former Michigan quarterback is now the clear favorite to start in Minnesota.

McCarthy is positioned to secure the starting role, seeing no particularly real competition aside from Brett Rypien among the Vikings quarterback contingent.

Sam Howell is another backup option for Minnesota, but he probably won't compete with McCarthy. He will be a backup who might start in an emergency.