Giants Acquire QB J.J. McCarthy from Vikings for 2027 Draft Pick

The New York Giants have traded a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Monday in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, joins New York after starting just 10 games for Minnesota. According to ESPN, the 23-year-old had fallen to third on the Vikings' depth chart behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz following an ankle injury sustained during an August 22 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

New York's move follows a season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart, who underwent surgery Friday to repair the meniscus and MCL in his left knee. Despite the trade, Giants coach John Harbaugh stated that Jameis Winston will remain the team's starter. Winston recently led the Giants to a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium, a game in which the team improved to 2-1 despite failing to score a touchdown. Winston has completed 51% of his passes for 229 yards with one interception since taking over for Dart.

McCarthy becomes one of only four quarterbacks in the last 25 years to start 10 or fewer games for the team that drafted them, joining a list that includes Trey Lance and Johnny Manziel. To make room on the active roster, a source told Mike Garafolo that the Giants will waive Jake Haener with the intention of re-signing him to the practice squad. McCarthy now reunites with John Harbaugh, the brother of his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh.