Quarterback J.J. McCarthy joins Giants as backup after trade from Vikings

The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round draft selection, adding him to the roster as a backup to starter Jameis Winston after Jaxson Dart was placed on injured reserve. McCarthy, who was selected in the first round three seasons ago, said the trade came as a "shock" but viewed it as an opportunity to prove himself.

"I didn’t anticipate it, but it’s an opportunity to take advantage of," McCarthy said in his first interview since the move.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who scouted McCarthy before the 2024 draft, and head coach John Harbaugh, whose brother coached McCarthy in college, spoke with the quarterback to welcome him to the organization. McCarthy expressed enthusiasm for the franchise’s history and his new role.

"I loved this place from the second I walked in here. The franchise tradition is something I value tremendously," he said after practice.

The Giants have not yet decided whether McCarthy or Jake Haener will serve as the second-string quarterback for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan noted that learning a new system in a short time frame is challenging but possible for an intelligent player willing to work hard.

"It’s a race to see how much we can give to him and how much he’s going to be able to retain," Callahan explained.

McCarthy, who spent the previous season as Minnesota’s third-string quarterback, said he is focused on learning the playbook and building chemistry with Winston. He also praised the Harbaugh family’s influence on his career.

"Absolutely love the Harbaugh family. They are made of the right stuff: faith, family, football," he said.

The Giants aim to integrate McCarthy quickly as they continue to evaluate their quarterback depth chart amid ongoing injuries.