Vikings trade former starter J.J. McCarthy to Giants after disappointing season
Minnesota released quarterback J.J. McCarthy to New York following a season marked by injuries and inconsistent performance, while veteran Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz assume the top roles.
The Minnesota Vikings have traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants after a 2025 campaign that saw him miss most of the season with injuries and post modest statistics. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, appeared in 10 games, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
A team staffer told The Athletic that confidence in McCarthy eroded during the year. > "I knew this was going to be up and down when we made that choice this spring (to move forward with McCarthy as the starter), but it has just been brutal," the staffer said.
The staffer added that concerns extended beyond on-field play, noting that McCarthy’s comments about a personal "Nine" nickname and a decision to dance the "Griddy" before a touchdown had drawn criticism from coaches and executives. The Vikings also brought in veteran quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason, moving McCarthy to third-string behind Murray and backup Carson Wentz.
The Giants acquired McCarthy after second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. He will serve as the backup to veteran Jameis Winston and is expected to use the remainder of the 2026 season to develop his skills and rebuild his reputation.