NFLSep 30
Giants bet on J.J. McCarthy's upside after Jaxson Dart injury
New York adds a quarterback at a modest cost, but McCarthy must prove his late improvement in Minnesota can translate into sustained success.
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A needed addition
The Giants have acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a fifth-round draft pick, adding an alternative behind Jameis Winston after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Winston has struggled since taking over, completing 51% of his passes and averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. With Jake Haener the only other quarterback on the roster, New York needed depth and a potential replacement if its passing game remained ineffective. Minnesota gains draft capital and saves $4.6 million over the next two years. McCarthy had slipped behind starter Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz, leaving little room for the former first-round selection.
Reasons for optimism
McCarthy's closing stretch in 2025 offers New York something to build on. In his final four starts, all Vikings victories, he completed 64.3% of his passes and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt, with five touchdown passes and two interceptions. At 23, he still has time to develop. His mobility also fits elements of an offense designed for Dart. A run-focused approach featuring Cam Skattebo could reduce the passing burden, while rollouts and run-pass options could help McCarthy find comfortable throws. The financial commitment is limited: New York will pay him less than $1 million for the remainder of the season.
The uncertainty remains
That encouraging finish does not erase McCarthy's earlier difficulties. Across his first six professional appearances, he completed 54.1% of his passes and threw 10 interceptions. His ability to function consistently from the pocket remains a central concern. Availability is another obstacle. A torn meniscus cost him his rookie season, and further injuries interrupted his development in 2025. For the Giants, this is a relatively inexpensive opportunity rather than a proven solution. McCarthy provides another option immediately; whether he can stabilize the offense will depend on health and sustained improvement.
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