Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared to be a strong candidate to sign with the Minnesota Vikings until NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the team had ended its pursuit and moved on. As a result, the Vikings are now expected to rely on J.J. McCarthy, their No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who spent time behind Sam Darnold after undergoing meniscus surgery in August. However, with only McCarthy and Brett Rypien—who have a combined total of just four career starts—on the roster, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin predicts Minnesota will bring in Jameis Winston.
“Carson Wentz is another veteran with a strong arm who fits the mold, particularly given his Midwestern ties,” Benjamin noted. “However, Winston is slightly younger and has more recent starting experience, and Kevin O’Connell might appreciate his passionate leadership alongside the developing McCarthy.”
In 2024, Winston played in 12 games, starting seven for the Cleveland Browns, completing 181 of 296 passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and earning a passer rating of 80.6. Over his 10-year career, which includes a Pro Bowl appearance, he has demonstrated an exciting, albeit turnover-prone, playing style, accumulating 24,225 passing yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions. If Winston were to join the Vikings, it would at least provide them with a seasoned quarterback option in case McCarthy isn’t ready to take the reins by Week 1.
