Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy from Vikings for 2027 fifth-round pick

The New York Giants traded a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28 to acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The move follows a season-ending knee injury to starter Jaxson Dart and adds a potential backup to a roster that currently lists veteran Jameis Winston as the starter.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh said the team was evaluating all options at quarterback before the trade was completed. McCarthy, the former No. 10 overall pick, has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Analysts graded the deal a B-, noting that while the player’s NFL performance has been inconsistent, the cost is modest for New York.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Nolan Teasley had previously described McCarthy’s future as “still unwritten.” However, the team demoted him to third-string on the final roster and retained only a fifth-round pick in return, a transaction analysts rated a C+. The Vikings appear to be moving on from McCarthy after a single season in which he struggled with injuries and decision-making.

Both clubs now face uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Giants must decide whether to rely on Winston or give McCarthy playing time, while Minnesota will need to address its depth chart amid injuries to other quarterbacks.