J.J. McCarthy Traded to Giants: Why the Vikings Made the Move and What Happens Next
Updated September 28, 2026
J.J. McCarthy is heading to New York. The Minnesota Vikings have traded the quarterback to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, according to the Vikings' official announcement.
J.J. McCarthy → New York Giants
Minnesota receives → 2027 fifth-round pick
Status → Trade is pending McCarthy passing a physical
Why Did the Giants Trade for J.J. McCarthy?
The Giants entered the quarterback market after Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury expected to keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. New York had been considering several quarterback options before making the move for McCarthy.
Why Did the Vikings Trade McCarthy?
Minnesota had changed its quarterback situation during the offseason. The Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback on August 11, 2026, while Carson Wentz remained another option on the roster.
McCarthy was originally selected No. 10 overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft. After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, he made his NFL debut during the 2025 season.
What Does This Mean for McCarthy?
The trade gives McCarthy an opportunity to compete for a larger role in New York. However, the Giants have not automatically confirmed him as their starting quarterback simply because of the trade.
The immediate quarterback situation will depend on the team's decisions after McCarthy completes his physical and joins the Giants.
McCarthy's 2025 NFL Numbers
| Category | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Starts | 10 |
| Record as Starter | 6-4 |
| Passing Yards | 1,632 |
| Touchdowns | 11 |
| Interceptions | 12 |
| Passer Rating | 72.6 |
What Happens Next?
The next major development will be whether McCarthy passes his physical and how the Giants handle the quarterback rotation. The trade immediately puts his future in New York under the spotlight.
For Giants fans, the biggest question is simple: Can J.J. McCarthy turn this unexpected opportunity into a starting job?
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
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