Giants trade J.J. McCarthy

Giants sent fifth-round pick to Minnesota Vikings for former No. 10 overall selection J.J. McCarthy.

Trade makes little sense

This trade doesn't make sense, as McCarthy isn't the best option among Giants' short list including Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew, Mac Jones, and Justin Fields.

Giants have Jaxson Dart

Giants have injured Jaxson Dart, a prospective franchise quarterback, unless McCarthy is their long-term signal-caller.

Jameis Winston is backup

Giants have Jameis Winston, a better backup quarterback than most second-stringers, but McCarthy may not be an upgrade.

Harbaugh's excitement

Giants head coach John Harbaugh said he's happy to add McCarthy, calling him a strong young quarterback with NFL experience.

“Really happy, very excited to add J.J. McCarthy”

McCarthy's performance

McCarthy has struggled in his first three NFL seasons, finishing last in completion percentage and TD-INT ratio in his debut season.

McCarthy's stats

McCarthy's 2025 season completion percentage was 57.6%, passing yards per game 163.2, and TD-INT ratio 11-12.

McCarthy's draft history

McCarthy is the fourth first-round quarterback since 1970 to start 10 or fewer games, with three busts: Paxton Lynch, Trey Lance, and Johnny Manziel.

Trade compensation

Giants traded a fifth-round pick for McCarthy, but he has two more years on his rookie deal while Winston has three more through 2028.

Why trade doesn't make sense

Giants would not have made this trade if Dart didn't get injured, but McCarthy is a question mark for a team needing a starter.