The New York Giants have agreed a trade to acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants will send a 2027 fifth-round pick to Minnesota in exchange for the former first-round selection.McCarthy was selected by the Vikings with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after helping Michigan win the national championship.His time in Minnesota has been disrupted by injuries and competition for the starting role, however, and he had dropped down the depth chart behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.The 23-year-old had been the Vikings third-string quarterback and was no longer part of their immediate plans.Winston remains Giants starterThe Giants decision to bring in McCarthy comes after an injury to Jaxson Dart, who underwent surgery on his left knee and is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season.Jameis Winston has taken over as New Yorks starter, with John Harbaugh making clear after Sundays win over the Tennessee Titans that the veteran would remain QB1 even if the Giants added another quarterback.Winston has struggled since taking over, completing 51% of his passes for 229 yards without a touchdown and throwing one interception.The Giants nevertheless improved to 2-1 on Sunday by beating the Titans 12-7 at MetLife Stadium, despite failing to score a touchdown.McCarthy leaves Minnesota after difficult spellMcCarthys career in Minnesota lasted only 10 starts and came to an end less than three years after the Vikings used a top-10 pick on him.He lost the starting job during training camp to Murray and was subsequently moved to third string after an ankle injury ruled him out of Minnesotas final pre-season game.His final appearance for the Vikings came on August 22 against the Baltimore Ravens.McCarthy missed two open receivers in the end zone before suffering a mild ankle sprain after taking a hit in the pocket. He eventually walked to the sideline and his night was brought to an early conclusion.Injuries, inconsistencies with his throwing mechanics and questions surrounding his development contributed to Minnesota moving on from the quarterback. Topics J.J. McCarthy Minnesota Vikings New York Giants Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read NFL: Jaxson Dart could miss rest of season as Giants assess serious knee injury Mitch Fretton 23rd September, 2026 Jaxson Dart injury update: Harbaugh discusses QBs knee problem as Giants blown away by Rams on MNF Jon Fisher 22nd September, 2026 Tip of the Day: Bank on Rams and Adams to see off Giants Jon Fisher 21st September, 2026 NFL: Maye and Patriots bounce back in Week 2 as Bengals beat Texans and Packers squeeze past Jets Mitch Fretton 20th September, 2026 New York Giants @ Los Angeles Rams: Preview, prediction and odds Mitch Fretton 20th September, 2026 Packers vs Vikings: Carson Wentz talks NFL Week 1 win Ben Miller 14th September, 2026
