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JJ McCarthy latest news: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been traded by the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants, according to reports on September 28, 2026. The move brings a major change to the career of the former first-round draft pick, who was selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The trade comes after McCarthy lost Minnesota’s starting quarterback position to Kyler Murray and spent the opening weeks of the 2026 season in a reserve role. The New York Giants moved for McCarthy after starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending injury.
JJ McCarthy Traded to New York Giants
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to send McCarthy to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, according to reports.
The deal ends McCarthy’s time in Minnesota after two seasons. The 23-year-old quarterback had been selected with the 10th overall pick in 2024 and was viewed as an important part of the Vikings’ future when drafted.
However, McCarthy’s path to a starting role became more complicated during the 2026 offseason after Minnesota signed Kyler Murray.
The Vikings subsequently moved McCarthy down the quarterback depth chart, with Murray taking the starting role and veteran Carson Wentz also ahead of McCarthy in certain situations.
Why Did the Giants Trade for JJ McCarthy?
The Giants’ quarterback situation changed after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending injury. The injury created an immediate need for another quarterback, and New York has now added McCarthy to its roster.
The move gives the Giants another young quarterback with previous NFL starting experience. McCarthy started 10 games for Minnesota during the 2025 season before injuries and other roster decisions affected his availability and role.
Reports indicate that the Giants were looking for additional quarterback help after Dart’s injury, eventually completing the trade for McCarthy.
JJ McCarthy’s Vikings Career
McCarthy’s Minnesota career was delayed almost immediately after he was drafted.
He missed the entire 2024 NFL season after suffering a season-ending injury during the Vikings’ first preseason game. He returned in 2025 and eventually became Minnesota’s starting quarterback.
According to the Vikings’ official player profile, McCarthy started 10 games in 2025, completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
His final four starts of the 2025 season showed a different statistical stretch, with McCarthy completing 54 of 84 passes for 703 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Vikings ultimately decided to move in another direction at quarterback during the 2026 season.
JJ McCarthy’s 2026 Season
McCarthy entered the 2026 campaign behind Kyler Murray on the depth chart.
He also dealt with an ankle injury during the preseason. By early September, he had returned to full practice, but Minnesota continued using him in a reserve role.
During the Vikings’ Week 3 game against Tampa Bay, McCarthy was listed as the team’s third quarterback. The official Vikings inactive report said he would dress but could play only if both Murray and Carson Wentz were unable to continue.
The trade therefore changes his situation considerably, giving him an opportunity to compete for a larger role with the Giants.
From Michigan Star to NFL First-Round Pick
Before entering the NFL, McCarthy was one of the leading quarterbacks in college football at Michigan.
He helped Michigan win the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship and finished his college career with a 27-1 record as a starter.
During the 2023 season, he completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. Those performances contributed to his selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
His college career established him as a highly regarded quarterback prospect, but his NFL development has included injuries, limited playing time and competition for the starting position.
What Happens Next for JJ McCarthy?
The trade gives McCarthy a new environment in New York as the Giants adjust to Dart’s absence.
His immediate role will depend on the Giants’ coaching decisions, roster situation and his readiness to take on the offense. The move also provides McCarthy with another opportunity to establish himself after a relatively short period as a starter in Minnesota.
For the Vikings, the trade ends the organization’s experiment with McCarthy as its potential long-term quarterback and leaves the team moving forward with its current quarterback group.
Latest JJ McCarthy News Today
The latest JJ McCarthy news is dominated by his move from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants. The trade follows his loss of the starting role in Minnesota and the Giants’ need for another quarterback following Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury.
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, now begins the next chapter of his NFL career in New York. His previous experience as a Vikings starter and his college success at Michigan will be part of the background as the Giants determine how to use him.
