Giants Trade for J.J. McCarthy After Dart Knee Surgery

The New York Giants have acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Minnesota announced the deal on Monday, and it will go through pending McCarthy passing a physical The Guardian.

The price is strikingly low for a recent top-10 pick. A fifth-rounder is a late draft selection, the kind of pick often used on developmental prospects. A week earlier, reports had Minnesota asking New York for a 2027 first-rounder in talks for McCarthy.

The Giants needed help at the most important position. Starter Jaxson Dart had surgery on his left knee and will miss at least the rest of the regular season. Dart was hurt on the opening drive against the Los Angeles Rams after a hit by two defenders, a game New York lost 28-6 at SoFi Stadium.

Veteran Jameis Winston stepped in Sunday and led a victory over Tennessee. It was a grind. New York did not score a touchdown and finished with 238 yards of offense in the win.

Coach John Harbaugh said Winston will start again Sunday against Arizona. McCarthy gives the Giants a young backup with starting experience once he clears the physical and learns the playbook.

McCarthy, 23, was the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He played 10 games for Minnesota, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He lost the starting job to Kyler Murray this season and slipped behind Carson Wentz on the depth chart (the team's pecking order at quarterback).

Earlier this month, Minnesota's general manager described McCarthy as still developing. There is also a family connection in New York. McCarthy won a national title at Michigan playing for Jim Harbaugh, the brother of Giants coach John Harbaugh.

There was more quarterback news around the league. Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield will miss at least three weeks with a dislocated thumb on his right throwing hand The Guardian. He was hurt in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings when linebacker Blake Cashman hit him as he released a throw in the final minutes.

Rookie Jalon Daniels will take over for Mayfield. Tampa Bay hosts Green Bay this Sunday.

For fans, this means two waiting games. In New York, Winston holds the offense while McCarthy gets a fresh start in a familiar-style system. In Tampa Bay, a rookie gets thrown into the middle of a playoff race.