Giants Floated as Trade Destination for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

A possibly season-ending knee injury to Jaxson Dart has sparked speculation that the Giants could pursue Minnesota's third-string quarterback.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart went down with a knee injury in the opening quarter of Monday night's game against the Rams. While the initial belief was a multi-week absence, ESPN's Adam Schefter has since reported the possibility of season-ending surgery.

Relief quarterback Jameis Winston struggled in relief, throwing for 111 yards on 11-of-27 passing with an interception. With the Giants at 1-0 in the division and a talented roster, longtime beat writer Gary Myers suggested the team could target Vikings third-stringer J.J. McCarthy on the trade market.

Myers noted on X that Giants general manager Joe Schoen considered McCarthy with the sixth overall pick in 2024 before selecting Malik Nabers, and that John Harbaugh's brother Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy to a 2023 national championship at Michigan, has praised him as the top quarterback of that draft class. He argued the deal might cost only a mid-round selection.

Minnesota, off to a 2-0 start behind Carson Wentz and with Kyler Murray expected back Sunday, is not actively shopping McCarthy, though the front office could listen if the price rises under the new circumstances. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has reported that head coach Kevin O'Connell was not prepared to give up on McCarthy before the season, but McCarthy has one year left on his rookie deal, complicating his long-term outlook in Minnesota.