Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy from Vikings for fifth-round pick

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Monday for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft, adding another option behind Jameis Winston with Jaxson Dart sidelined by a knee injury.

The Vikings announced the agreement, which is pending McCarthy passing a physical. The move ends Minnesota’s investment in the quarterback it selected 10th overall in 2024 and gives the 23-year-old a chance to restart his career in New York.

Dart underwent surgery on his left knee last week and is expected to miss at least the rest of the regular season. Winston started Sunday’s 12–7 victory over Tennessee, and coach John Harbaugh said afterward that he would start again against Arizona. That statement came before the McCarthy trade.

New York improved to 2–1 against the Titans but did not score a touchdown, finishing with 238 yards of offense. Winston has completed 25 of 49 passes for 229 yards, no touchdowns and one interception this season, including his relief appearance after Dart was hurt against the Rams.

McCarthy arrives without an announced starting role. His addition gives the Giants another young quarterback to develop while Winston handles the immediate assignment, with the timetable for any change still unsettled.

In Minnesota, McCarthy had slipped behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz on the depth chart. Murray won the starting job, while Wentz became the primary backup, leaving the former first-round selection without a regular role in the offense.

A knee injury cost McCarthy his entire rookie season. He made 10 starts in 2025, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Minnesota went 6–4 in those games, but injuries and inconsistent passing interrupted his first opportunity to lead the team.

The trade also brings a familiar family connection. McCarthy won a national championship at Michigan playing for Jim Harbaugh, the brother of New York’s head coach. Now he will try to establish himself in the NFL under John Harbaugh, with a new playbook to learn and a veteran already ahead of him.