Brief

J. J. McCarthy Joins Giants After Vikings Trade

The trade gives the Giants a veteran option at quarterback as they cope with a season‑ending injury to rookie Jaxson Dart.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:00:07 GMT

The Minnesota Vikings have traded quarterback J. J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth‑round draft pick. The move comes after the Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season‑ending knee injury in Week 2, prompting the team to seek additional depth at the position.

According to reports from ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, Adam Schefter and Mike Garafolo, the Vikings will receive a 2027 fifth‑round pick in return for the 2024 first‑round pick they had on McCarthy. The trade aligns with the Vikings’ decision to move Max Brosmer into the No. 3 spot on their depth chart, while the Giants add McCarthy as a backup to Jameis Winston, who has been starting in Dart’s absence.

New York head coach John Harbaugh, who is the brother of McCarthy’s college coach Jim Harbaugh, said the team remains open to adding a veteran quarterback. Harbaugh has already promoted Jameis Winston to starter and Jake Haener to backup, and is exploring free‑agent and trade options such as Jimmy Garoppolo and Joe Flacco.

McCarthy, 23, has started 10 games in Minnesota, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He lost the starting job to Kyler Murray in an offseason competition, and the Vikings turned to Carson Wentz as their primary backup after Murray suffered a concussion in Week 1. McCarthy’s time in Minnesota has been marred by health issues, including a meniscus injury that caused him to miss his entire rookie season and a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games in 2025.

The Giants’ acquisition of McCarthy comes after a 12‑7 win over the Tennessee Titans, in which Winston led the team to victory. Harbaugh has indicated that Winston could remain the Giants’ starting quarterback even if another signal‑caller is added.

Key facts

Minnesota traded J. J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth‑round pick (bleacherreport.com)
The trade follows Jaxson Dart’s season‑ending knee injury in Week 2 (bleacherreport.com)
McCarthy has started 10 games in Minnesota, 1,632 yards, 11 TDs, 12 INTs (bleacherreport.com)
New York head coach John Harbaugh said the team is open to adding a veteran quarterback (bleacherreport.com)

Background

The Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season‑ending knee injury in Week 2, forcing the team to rely on veteran Jameis Winston and prompting a search for additional depth at quarterback.