NFL News: Aaron Rodgers called ‘favorite quarterback’ by Vikings star amid JJ McCarthy rumors

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly ready to hand the reins of the offense to J.J. McCarthy, who spent the entire 2024 NFL season on the sidelines. But with Aaron Rodgers still available, the quarterback situation in Minnesota remains uncertain.

The speculation only increased on Tuesday, with one of the team’s best players showing nothing but praise for the 4x NFL MVP. During an interview with Kay Adams, Vikings safety Harrison Smith admitted that he’s a big admirer of Rodgers.

“I would say Rodgers has been, you know, I played against him my whole career. He’s always my favorite quarterback to watch, and also my least favorite quarterback, because he’s very tough to defend. I’m not going to speculate on that, but I have a very great appreciation for him and his talent,” Smith said on the ‘Up & Adams’ show.

Smith, 36, faced Rodgers countless times throughout his career, playing the Green Bay Packers every year in the NFC North since the Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Smith confident in Vikings’ chances for 2025

The rivalry on the field also led to mutual respect off of it, which is why Smith isn’t hiding his admiration for Rodgers regardless of the ongoing rumors. The 6x Pro Bowler, however, made it clear that he already likes the group the Vikings have for 2025.

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“I’ve given it (retirement) thought for years. There will be a day that I’m done, it’s getting closer everyday… I like what we did in free agency. I think we have a great group, great coaching, great leadership, and I wanted to be apart of it,” said Smith, who agreed to come back for a 14th NFL season.

McCarthy’s recent comments fuel Rodgers rumors

When it looked like the team had already made a decision at the position, it appears that Minnesota could still make a change at quarterback. McCarthy’s latest comments suggest that Rodgers remains a possibility for the Vikings.

“They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t, because I try to earn it every single day,” McCarthy told Kay Adams when asked if the Vikings told him he would start. “I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance, I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day.”