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The Giants' J.J. McCarthy trade, explained: what they paid, what they got and what happens next

The New York Giants made a quarterback trade last week, though not the kind that changes the depth chart overnight. Here is what you need to know.

Why did the Giants need another quarterback?

Starter Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury on September 24. That handed the job to Jameis Winston, who started and won the Week 3 game against Tennessee 12–7, with Jake Haener behind him.

One more injury would have left the Giants short of experienced options. They needed depth, quickly.

What did they give up?

Very little: a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft, sent to the Minnesota Vikings. The trade was subject to McCarthy passing a physical.

For a quarterback who was the 10th overall pick only two years ago, that is a low price.

Who is J.J. McCarthy?

McCarthy, 23, was drafted 10th overall by Minnesota in 2024 after winning a national championship at Michigan. He spent his whole rookie season on injured reserve, then started 10 games in 2025.

His record as a starter is 6–4. His passing numbers were less convincing: 57.6 per cent completions, 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was useful as a runner, with 181 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 37 carries.

Is he going to start?

Not for now. Head coach John Harbaugh said Winston remains the starter. Harbaugh also said the backup job is open between McCarthy and Haener, so McCarthy has to earn even the No. 2 spot.

Harbaugh was positive about the signing, calling McCarthy a strong young quarterback with real NFL experience.

So why make the trade?

Because it is insurance at almost no cost. If Winston stays healthy and plays well, the Giants have spent a fifth-round pick on a backup. If he does not, they have a young quarterback with NFL starts rather than someone signed off the street.

There is a longer view too. Dart's injury raises questions beyond this season. Having McCarthy in the building for the rest of 2026 gives the coaches a close look at whether he is worth keeping into 2027.

How did McCarthy react?

He admitted the trade came as a shock, but described the move as an opportunity. That seems the right way to see it. Minnesota were willing to move him for a late-round pick. In New York, he is one injury away from starting in the league's biggest market.

The bottom line

This trade does not solve the Giants' quarterback situation. It protects them against it getting worse. For a fifth-round pick, that is a sensible piece of business.

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