JJ McCarthy has been traded after less than three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
On Monday, it was reported that McCarthy is going to the New York Giants, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The exchange is a fifth-round pick going to Minnesota.
However, Schultz said this is a move for the Giants to “bolster the backup position” behind Jameis Winston.
The #Giants’ addition of JJ McCarthy is viewed as a move to bolster the backup position behind Jameis Winston, not to supplant him.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 28, 2026
New York did not feel confident in its options behind Winston and could not afford to go another 15 games without upgrading at QB2. https://t.co/wdXN0QLiSq
Giants star quarterback Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the season after suffering an injury in Week 2. And, John Harbaugh admitted that plenty of options were on the table.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly wanted to keep working with McCarthy, but he lost the starting job to Kyler Murray, and even Carson Wentz took over as the QB1 after Murray’s early-season injury.
The Vikings selected McCarthy at No. 10 overall in 2024, although he missed his entire rookie season due to an injury. He played 10 games in 2025, but now he is on the move.
The Giants managed a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, although Winston threw for just 118 yards in another underwhelming performance, so maybe JJ McCarthy gets his shot really soon.
