Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy as backup to Jameis Winston after Jaxson Dart injury

The New York Giants signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy after a season-ending knee injury sidelined starter Jaxson Dart. McCarthy will work behind current starter Jameis Winston and could see playing time if needed.

Former Giants quarterback Russell Wilson described the trade as "interesting" and suggested it could be a "great" opportunity for McCarthy to restart his career. Wilson noted that Winston, who was his teammate on the 2025 Giants, is likely to provide guidance to the young quarterback.

"I think this will help J.J., too. I'm sure Jameis is going to give some of that advice and thoughts," Wilson said.

Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long said the Giants must communicate clearly that Winston remains the starter and that Dart will resume the role once he returns from injury.

"The understanding and messaging from the team needs to be clear to McCarthy that Winston is the starter and when the guy with the diamonds, aka Dart, is back, he will be the starter," Long said.

McCarthy, a former Michigan quarterback who won a college title under Jim Harbaugh, missed his rookie NFL season due to a knee injury and later dealt with multiple injuries while with Minnesota. In 2025 he appeared in 10 games, completing 57.6% of passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He did not play in 2026, losing the starting job to Kyler Murray.

Long added that the move benefits both parties.

"Look, they need him, and he needs them, so I think it's a good situation for him," Long said.