Giants trade for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, source confirms
Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13, 2026. Credit: AP/Bailey Hillesheim
The Giants are adding help at quarterback after Jameis Winston struggled in his first start Sunday.
The team traded for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a league source confirmed to Newsday. In exchange, the Giants are sending a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft.
McCarthy was the 10th pick in the 2024 draft, four picks after the Giants drafted Malik Nabers. He started 10 games last season after missing his entire rookie season due to a meniscus injury in his right knee.
McCarthy was 6-4 as a starter but dealt with more injuries after a high ankle sprain cost him five games in 2025. He also missed a game because of a concussion and another with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
McCarthy began this season as the Vikings' third-string quarterback behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
The Giants won Sunday, but Winston was less than sharp, throwing for just 118 yards on 14-for-22 passing. The Giants have also not scored a touchdown in seven-plus quarters since Winston took over after Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee injury.
John Harbaugh affirmed after Sunday's win that Winston is still his starting quarterback. But by adding McCarthy, there's competition in case Winston doesn't improve.
McCarthy was highly regarded coming out of Michigan where he was coached by Jim Harbaugh. Now John Harbaugh will hope that success repeats for his team as McCarthy adds depth in a room with Winston and Jake Haener.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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