Vikings part ways with J.J. McCarthy as quarterback heads to the Giants

The Minnesota Vikings have officially moved on from quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The team announced Monday that the 23-year-old, drafted 10th overall in 2024, is being traded to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The deal was confirmed by several NFL insiders, including Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

A difficult stint in Minnesota

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after tearing his meniscus during the preseason. In 2025 he became Minnesota's starter following Sam Darnold's trade to Seattle, but he made only 10 of a possible 15 starts, missing five with a high ankle sprain. In those 10 games he completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, with the team going 6-4. He lost the starting job battle to Kyler Murray in training camp and began the season as the third-string quarterback. According to NFL.com, the trade clears roughly $4.5 million in cap space for the Vikings.

The Giants' situation after Dart's injury

Giants starter Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams that has since been ruled season-ending. It was initially described as a lesser, multi-week MCL sprain, but proved more serious. Jameis Winston is currently New York's starter, though his recent play has drawn criticism — in Sunday's 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans he threw for just 118 yards and was sacked three times, with all of the team's points coming from kicker Dominic Zvada. DAZN notes the Giants had already promoted Jake Haener from the practice squad.

A family connection and hopes for the future

Giants head coach John Harbaugh is the brother of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who before the 2024 draft called McCarthy the best quarterback prospect available. As Fox News reports, that family tie may be one reason the Giants targeted McCarthy specifically. Analysts describe the move less as an immediate replacement for Dart — whom the Giants remain committed to long-term — and more as insurance against a potential Winston injury or further decline. How quickly McCarthy can learn New York's offense, and whether he becomes a steady backup to Winston, remains to be seen.