Giants weigh QB trade options as Winston starts after Dart injury
The New York Giants announced that they are exploring trade options for quarterback J. J. McCarthy and have confirmed Jameis Winston will start in Week 3 after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the season with a severe knee injury. Dart first suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament on September 27, and an MRI on September 28 revealed additional MCL, PCL and meniscus damage, leading to surgery that ends his 2026 season.
With Dart unavailable, the Giants said they must decide whether to keep Winston, sign a free-agent or pursue a trade, though viable targets appear limited. Earlier reports listed quarterbacks such as Tyler Huntley and Justin Fields as possible trade candidates, and media commentary linked Dart’s injury to his prior appearance with President Donald Trump. The team later defeated the Tennessee Titans 12-7 on September 30, playing without Dart and coping with a knee injury to defensive end Brian Burns.