Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (obscured) celebrates with linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (not pictured) to end the game in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Clearly uninspired by the recent play of Jameis Winston in relief of the injured Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants swung a trade to shake up their quarterback depth chart, acquiring JJ McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round draft pick on Monday.
The 23-year-old Michigan product is just two years removed from being taken No. 10 overall by the Vikings in hopes of him developing into their next franchise quarterback. But his rookie campaign in 2024 was wiped away by a torn meniscus, and Sam Darnold proceeded to lead them to a 14-3 season in his absence.
Still, the Vikings showed faith in their young talent, parting ways with Darnold. McCarthy struggled, going 6-4 as the starter in 2025 while averaging 163.2 yards per game and throwing 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.
Meanwhile, in Seattle, Darnold won a Super Bowl.
McCarthy lost the starting job to long-time Cardinal Kyler Murray, who was brought in on a one-year deal, and then suffered an ankle injury last month.
Despite his failed attempt to stick it with Minnesota, McCarthy has an opportunity for a fresh start in New York, and potentially a year-long runway to prove that he can be a legitimate starting quarterback elsewhere in this league.
Dart is still very much the franchise quarterback despite being injury-prone and lost for the 2026 season after suffering a torn MCL in a Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Winston, the only other legitimate option the team had, did little to suggest that Big Blue could stay afloat with him.
In relief of Dart against the Rams, he completed just 11 of 27 attempts for 111 yards and an interception. In Sunday’s win against the Tennessee Titans, it didn’t get much better. The veteran went 14-of-22 for 118 yards, though a Nor’easter certainly did not make MetLife Stadium conducive to passing the football.
Head coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Winston did what was “required” to win the game, but for a 2-1 Giants team that is desperate to take legitimate steps toward contending for the playoffs this season, it has become clear that their existing QB situation was not going to win them many games.
For more on JJ McCarthy and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
