Giants acquire former Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in trade, retain Jaxson Dart as starter

The New York Giants added former Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy to their roster in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Despite the acquisition, the team’s coaching staff indicated that rookie Jaxson Dart will continue as the starting quarterback, having taken over the role in Week 4 of his rookie season.

McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie year due to a torn meniscus, posted modest numbers in ten starts last season, averaging 163.2 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and adding 181 rushing yards with four scores. Dart, who also logged around 162 passing yards per game, threw 15 touchdowns to five interceptions and contributed 487 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns before his recent injury.

The Giants plan to keep veteran Jameis Winston as the primary backup, with McCarthy expected to learn the offense and develop rapport before competing for playing time. The team also waived former practice-squad quarterback Jake Haener and has not indicated interest in adding additional quarterbacks at this time.

General manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh evaluated the trade after medical assessments suggested Dart would miss the remainder of the regular season. Harbaugh consulted with his brother, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy at Michigan, before finalizing the deal.

The Vikings released McCarthy without reported friction; he had been demoted to third-string behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz and did not request a trade. The move gives both clubs an opportunity to reassess their quarterback depth as the 2026 season progresses.