Giants agree J.J. McCarthy trade after Jaxson Dart knee surgery

The New York Giants have agreed to acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. Minnesota announced the move on Monday, September 28, saying the transaction remains conditional on McCarthy passing a physical. The move brings another young quarterback into New York's injury-hit group.

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According to Associated Press reporting, Giants starter Jaxson Dart underwent surgery on his left knee last week after being injured against the Los Angeles Rams. He is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season. McCarthy's arrival follows that setback, but the trade does not by itself establish who will start for New York.

Jameis Winston led the Giants to a win over Tennessee on Sunday, although their offense finished with 238 yards and no touchdowns. The Associated Press reported that coach John Harbaugh subsequently named Winston as his starter for the Arizona game. Those comments preceded Monday's trade announcement, leaving McCarthy's immediate role unresolved as New York adds him to its quarterback options.

McCarthy leaves Minnesota two years after being selected 10th overall from Michigan. The Vikings' account of his departure noted that a knee injury in his first preseason appearance kept him out for his entire rookie season. He made his regular-season debut in 2025, but an ankle injury in Week 2 interrupted that campaign and cost him five games.

The Vikings recorded six wins and four losses in McCarthy's 10 starts last season. He passed for 1,632 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, before competing with offseason signing Kyler Murray for the starting position this summer. Minnesota named Murray its starter on August 11, and Carson Wentz subsequently handled playing time when Murray was unavailable early this season.

The move also connects McCarthy with a coach whose family knows his college career well. He won a national championship at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, the brother of Giants coach John Harbaugh. The Associated Press reported that McCarthy, Dart and Winston are all under contract for next season, so the addition extends beyond New York's immediate need to cover Dart's absence.