J.J. McCarthy Makes Career Decision After Giants Trade

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

J.J. McCarthy Makes Career Decision After Giants Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 6:18 PM ET

J.J. McCarthy is beginning the next chapter of his NFL career with the New York Giants after the team acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings.

The Giants sent Minnesota a 2027 fifth-round pick for McCarthy, who was the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The trade came after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury, leaving New York in need of another quarterback.

McCarthy is not expected to immediately replace Jameis Winston as the Giants’ starting quarterback. Head coach John Harbaugh reaffirmed that Winston remains the starter following the trade, while McCarthy will have to learn the offense and work his way into the quarterback rotation (h/t Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports).

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9).Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, McCarthy made his first career decision with the Giants, taking No. 18 for his new jersey.

The number became available after New York waived quarterback Jake Haener, who had worn it earlier this season. McCarthy previously wore No. 9 at Michigan and with the Vikings, but that number belongs to tight end Isaiah Likely in New York.

JJ McCarthy is listed as #18 on the Giants roster.
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod) September 29, 2026

The Giants are hoping the 23-year-old can provide depth while also developing into another option at the position. McCarthy started 10 games for Minnesota in 2025, finishing with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also posted a 6-4 record as a starter.

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after undergoing knee surgery and later lost his position on Minnesota’s depth chart after the Vikings moved forward with Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. His move to New York gives him an opportunity to rebuild his career under Harbaugh.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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