It could happen.

There’s no smoke without fire. From rumblings to red-hot rumors, the Aaron Rodgers-to-Minnesota Vikings talk won’t go away.

Rodgers is keeping the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers waiting for an answer.

It might not be that straightforward. What if the Vikings join the mix? They would undoubtedly present a more desirable landing spot than the Giants, who won 11 fewer games than the Vikings last season.

Minnesota can offer one of the league’s best offensive minds running the offense and the No. 1 wide receiver in football.

Pittsburgh makes sense, too, but Minnesota is by far the best potential landing spot for any quarterback this offseason. Sam Darnold went from first-round bust to a Pro Bowler in O’Connell’s offense.

Of course, Rodgers’ connection to the Green Bay Packers complicates things.

Would he consider following the Brett Favre arc and turning his back on the team that drafted him? The team where he became a four-time MVP and won a Super Bowl?

According to a recent rumor, the answer might be yes, and this hilarious but nightmarish scenario could become a reality for Packers fans.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reveals the Vikings are ‘seriously’ considering a move for Aaron Rodgers
It takes interest from both sides, but it’s becoming a real possibility, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

“Aaron Rodgers is intrigued by the possibility of playing for the Vikings,” Russini said on a recent episode of the Scoop City podcast.

That’s not surprising. If he can get over the Packers-Vikings rivalry and only cares about winning a Super Bowl, Minnesota is easily the preferred choice. But it also requires buy-in from the Vikings. Per Russini, it’s possible.

“Minnesota is seriously discussing the possibility of adding the four-time MVP,” said Russini.

Well, there you go.

The Vikings are in a fascinating position.

They won 14 games and showed Super Bowl potential with Darnold running their offense.

But he is no longer in town, presumably handing the keys to second-year J.J. McCarthy, who hasn’t taken an NFL snap. It’s risky to put the fate of a championship roster on the shoulders of, effectively, a rookie quarterback.

Rodgers could achieve two things. First, he has the talent and experience to manage the offense and help them make a real Super Bowl push. Second, he would help McCarthy learn and develop in a similar scenario to the Jordan Love dynamic in Green Bay.

Some Packers fans welcome a Rodgers-to-Vikings move, believing it would inevitably lead to a New York Jets-level disaster. Others are worried that not only could Rodgers help a rival win it all, but it would tarnish his Packers legacy.

No matter which side you sit on, the idea of Rodgers returning to Lambeau Field in Vikings colors is sickening. It may also become a reality.