NY Giants acquire QB J.J. McCarthy from Vikings for 2027 fifth-round pick

The New York Giants have agreed to acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 fifth‑round draft pick, the clubs announced Monday. The trade is pending McCarthy passing a physical and comes less than two weeks after New York lost starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the regular season. McCarthy, 23, was selected No. 10 overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft after leading Michigan to a national championship. His rookie season ended early due to a knee injury, and he made his NFL debut in 2025. He started 10 games last season, completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while posting a 72.6 passer rating. The Vikings entered this season with Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback after McCarthy competed for the job during the offseason. McCarthy subsequently fell behind veteran Carson Wentz on the depth chart. Minnesota has opened the season 3‑0, with Murray starting after Wentz filled in during Week 2. The Giants turned to veteran Jameis Winston following Dart’s injury and defeated Tennessee 12‑7 on Sunday, though New York managed only 238 yards and did not score a touchdown. Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Winston would commencement the pursuing week against Arizona, leaving McCarthy’s immediate role uncertain. The trade also reunites McCarthy with a Harbaugh, as he played for John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, at Michigan.