The New York Giants have acted quickly to address their quarterback situation after Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a knee injury .
New York acquired Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, according to NFL insiders Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The 32-year-old quarterback stepped in for Dart on Sunday and guided the Giants to a win over Tennessee, although New York managed only 238 total yards and did not score a touchdown.
Mike Garafolo reported that New York will waive quarterback Jake Haener after recently signing him to the active roster. The trade gives the Giants another option at quarterback following Dart’s injury and raises an immediate question about how the team’s depth chart will look going forward. However, the Giants’ decision to trade for McCarthy suggests the team wanted another capable quarterback rather than relying solely on Winston following Dart’s injury. McCarthy’s arrival does not necessarily mean he will immediately become the starter. The Giants have yet to confirm their plans for Sunday, but Winston is currently the most likely option to open the game under center, with McCarthy providing another choice behind him. His path to the NFL had already been delayed after he suffered a right knee injury that cost him what would have been his rookie season. His development has also been slowed by injuries, while inconsistent accuracy and decision-making contributed to him losing the Vikings’ QB1 role after only one season as their starter. The Giants are also expected to make another roster adjustment at the position. Once Haener clears waivers, he is expected to return to the practice squad.
Head coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Winston would start again this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
