The Minnesota Vikings have reasons for optimism with J.J. McCarthy set to make his NFL debut in 2025 after missing last year due to injury. The team, however, has also been linked with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who hit free agency after only two years with the New York Jets.
In the meantime, the front office isn’t staying put. On Wednesday, the Vikings confirmed that they’re landing a new weapon for the 2025 NFL season by signing wide receiver Rondale Moore.
Just like McCarthy, Moore is working to make a long-awaited return to the field after watching the entire 2024 campaign from the sidelines. The wideout didn’t get to play a single game with the Atlanta Falcons as he suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.
Rondale Moore’s NFL experience before Vikings move
The Falcons had traded quarterback Desmond Ridder to get Moore from the Arizona Cardinals, where the Purdue product spent three seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rondale Moore #4 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the after the catch for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona.
During his time with the Cardilans, Moore was targeted 182 times, recording 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he racked up 52 carries for 249 yards and a rushing score.
Vikings reportedly choosing McCarthy over Rodgers
Now, it remains to be seen whether Moore will be a weapon for McCarthy or Rodgers. The second-year quarterback appears to be the favorite to lead the Vikings’ offense in 2025, though.
On Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Minnesota let other teams around the league know that McCarthy is untradeable, intending to move forward with him as QB1.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic adds that the Vikings are still keeping an eye on Rodgers, but they’re just “not ready to commit at this point in the offseason.” Only time will tell whether Rodgers returns to the NFC North anyway or if he’s future lies elsewhere.
