Giants trade for J.J. McCarthy in eye-opening QB twist

· New York Post

The Giants have added a new quarterback to the mix in the wake of Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury.

Big Blue are acquiring J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick, according to multiple reports.

McCarthy, 23, was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, four picks after the Giants selected wide receiver Malik Nabers.

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After leading Michigan to a national championship, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus, struggled in 10 starts last year and lost the starting job to Kyler Murray this year.

He had been Minnesota’s third-string QB, with Carson Wentz starting in place of an injured Murray in Week 2.

McCarthy was coached at Michigan by Giants head coach John Harbaugh’s brother Jim, and the two spoke about the quarterback before the trade, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) looks on prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Sunday, September 27, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jameis Winston started for Dart in the Giants’ rain-soaked Week 3 win over the Titans at MetLife Stadium and went 14-for-22 with 118 yards with zero touchdowns and zero turnovers. He was sacked three times.

The 32-year-old, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Buccaneers in 2015, signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension before the season, a sign that the Giants had confidence in his ability to keep the ship steady if Dart were to get injured.

But his ugly effort in relief of Dart during a Week 2 loss to the Rams was cause for concern.

Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) looks for the open man as offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) tries to keep Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson II (11) from rushing during the first quarter of a game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

The only other quarterback on the Giants’ roster was Jake Haener, a 27-year-old 2023 fourth-round pick who had 39 career pass attempts, all in 2024 with the Saints. He was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.