Giants trade for Vikings QB McCarthy, maintain Winston as starter

The New York Giants traded for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Monday, sending a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to Minnesota in exchange for the 2024 first-round pick. McCarthy, chosen by the Vikings with the No. 10 pick, had been the third-string quarterback behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. Giants coach John Harbaugh asserted after the team’s victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday that Jameis Winston would remain the starting quarterback, a point he reiterated on Monday following the acquisition of McCarthy.

The Giants are set to host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. "Jameis is starting. You guys asked me that [Sunday] night. He's our starting quarterback, and that's how we're rolling," Harbaugh said. He added, "We'll be ready to play this next game and going forward. Excited about Jameis. ... I'm looking forward to seeing where we go, and as we go we'll get a chance to build around Jameis' strengths."

Winston took on the starting role after Jaxson Dart suffered an injury, which resulted in Dart undergoing surgery to repair his meniscus and MCL in his left knee on Friday. Harbaugh confirmed that Winston will continue as the Giants' starter while McCarthy acclimates to the team and learns the offense. "Jameis will be the starter for as long as I can see into the future," he remarked, although acknowledging uncertainty. "But I do know is that we're going to be playing this game against the Cardinals on Sunday and Jameis will be our starter for sure and he's going to play a winning football game."

McCarthy previously played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and now transitions to being coached by his brother, John, in the NFL. The quarterback only started 10 games for the Vikings after being selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, all in the 2025 season. His performance included a Total QBR of 36, ranking him 36th among quarterbacks. Despite his struggles in Minnesota, John Harbaugh spoke positively about McCarthy’s capabilities, remarking, "His skill set is ... he's a talented guy. I mean, there's just no doubt about it. He's talented," attributing his initial top-10 selection to his abilities.

McCarthy will serve as either the No. 2 or 3 quarterback for the Giants this week as he acclimates to the playbook. John Harbaugh noted that integrating McCarthy into the offense would take time and view it as a challenge. The team had actively scouted McCarthy earlier and had even considered him with the sixth overall pick during the draft. While McCarthy’s tenure with the Vikings ended prematurely due to injuries and mechanical issues, his departure leaves him as one of the notable draft disappointments in team history.