The Giants have acquired J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota for a 2027 fifth-round pick, pending a physical. With Jaxson Dart out for the season, New York needed another quarterback. In McCarthy, it gets a 23-year-old former top-10 pick with plenty left to prove—and a potentially exciting connection with Malik Nabers.
The numbers behind the bet
McCarthy went 6–4 in 10 starts for Minnesota in 2025. He threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 57.6% of his passes. He also ran for 181 yards and four scores. The interceptions and completion rate show why he remains a developing quarterback. His mobility and fourth-quarter comeback in his NFL debut show why the upside still draws attention.
Could McCarthy unlock Nabers downfield?
That may be the most intriguing part of this move. Nabers wears No. 1, and he has already shown he can stretch a defense: his 2024 rookie season produced 109 catches, 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 59-yard score. Through three games in 2026, he has 12 catches for 96 yards and no touchdowns.
If McCarthy earns playing time, a connection with Nabers could give the offense a big upswing. Nabers can threaten deep and create space underneath; McCarthy would have a receiver capable of turning an aggressive throw into a game-changing play. That's the potential, not a chemistry they've established yet. McCarthy must learn the offense, improve his decisions and build timing with Nabers before New York can count on that deep threat.
What happens now
Head coach John Harbaugh says Jameis Winston remains the starter for Sunday's game against Arizona. McCarthy's first job is to get into the building, learn the system and compete. That gives the Giants time to find out whether this is valuable quarterback depth or the start of something bigger.
Our take: A fifth-round pick is a compelling price for McCarthy's potential. The accuracy and turnovers need work, but the thought of him finding No. 1 downfield gives Giants fans a reason to watch how this develops.
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Sources: New York Giants trade announcement; Minnesota Vikings trade announcement; Malik Nabers player profile.