J.J.
McCarthy is headed to the New York Giants, with New York acquiring the former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick after quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury expected to sideline him for the rest of the 2026 season.
NFL Network reported Monday, September 28, 2026, that the Giants will send Minnesota a 2027 fifth-round pick for McCarthy.
The deal gives New York another young quarterback option while the club turns to veteran Jameis Winston following Dart’s injury.
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Jj Mccarthy: J.J. McCarthy trade follows Dart injury
Dart was placed on injured reserve on September 24 after being injured during the Giants’ Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Winston started New York’s next game and led the Giants to a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
McCarthy is expected to join a quarterback room that includes Winston and practice-squad options as the Giants attempt to navigate the loss of their second-year starter.
New York selected Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he had opened the 2026 season as the team’s starter under head coach John Harbaugh.
What the Giants are getting in McCarthy
McCarthy was selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft after helping Michigan win the national championship.
He started 10 games for the Vikings during the 2025 season, completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, according to his player statistics.
McCarthy also ran 37 times for 181 yards and four touchdowns in his first full NFL season.
| Player | 2025 role or status | 2026 development |
|---|---|---|
| J.J. McCarthy | Started 10 games for Minnesota | Moved to New York in reported trade |
| Jaxson Dart | Giants starting quarterback | Expected to miss the rest of the season |
| Jameis Winston | Veteran Giants quarterback | Started after Dart’s injury |
The Vikings entered the 2026 season with McCarthy behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz on the depth chart, as outlined in the team’s quarterback season recap.
McCarthy was listed as the third quarterback for Minnesota’s Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was eligible to play only if both Murray and Wentz were injured, according to the Vikings’ inactives list.
He did not appear in Minnesota’s first two regular-season games and had limited preseason action.
Why the move matters for both teams
For the Giants, the trade adds a quarterback with starting experience and significant draft pedigree to a roster suddenly dealing with uncertainty at the position.
McCarthy could initially serve as Winston’s backup, but the change also gives New York another player capable of competing for a larger role if the team’s quarterback plans shift.
For Minnesota, the move ends the organization’s relationship with the quarterback it drafted in the first round two years ago.
The Vikings now appear set to rely on Murray and Wentz while receiving a future fifth-round selection in return for McCarthy.
The trade also represents a notable change from Minnesota’s position earlier in the month, when general manager Nolan Teasley said McCarthy was expected to remain on the 2026 roster.
What happens next
McCarthy must complete the trade process before joining the Giants and beginning work in New York’s offensive system.
The Giants will next determine how quickly he can learn the playbook and whether he will be active on game days behind Winston.
New York’s quarterback situation could receive further attention if Winston struggles or suffers an injury, while Dart’s recovery timeline will remain an important factor in the club’s longer-term planning.
The reported trade is subject to the completion of the NFL transaction process and any required physical examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Giants trade for J.J. McCarthy?
Yes. NFL Network reported on September 28, 2026, that New York would acquire McCarthy from Minnesota for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Why did the Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy?
The move follows Jaxson Dart’s knee injury, which is expected to keep the Giants quarterback out for the rest of the 2026 season.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Giants?
Jameis Winston started New York’s game against Tennessee after Dart’s injury and is expected to remain the leading option initially.
What were J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 stats?
McCarthy started 10 games and completed 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
What did the Vikings receive for McCarthy?
Minnesota is set to receive a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in the reported trade.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against NFL transaction reporting, official Vikings roster information and NFL player statistics. ([amp.nfl.com](https://amp.nfl.com/news/jj-mccarthy-giants-vikings-trade))
Disclaimer: The trade remains subject to completion of the NFL transaction process and any required physical examination.