Portugal Colonial - NFL Giants obtain QB McCarthy from Vikings

The Vikings received a fifth-round pick in next year's NFL Draft for McCarthy, who was selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft but missed the 2024 season with a right knee injury.

"Really glad, really happy, very excited to add J.J. McCarthy. Think he's a strong young quarterback," said Giants coach John Harbaugh.

"Has some experience in National Football League, obviously was a very high draft pick, very talented player, and is going to make us a stronger football team."

Dart suffered a left knee injury a week ago early in a 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and his replacement, Jameis Winston, struggled in a 12-7 victory over Tennessee last Sunday.

John Harbaugh knows well 23-year-old McCarthy, who played in college at Michigan under Harbaugh's brother Jim, now coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

"We've been turning over every stone. This was an opportunity that came up. And able to finish the deal off this morning, late morning," said Harbaugh.

However, Harbaugh told reporters that Winston will start the Giants' next game against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, and will remain his starting quarterback "as long as I can see into the future."

He indicated that McCarthy will require time to "get to work on learning the offense."

The coach also defended Winston's performance against the Titans on Sunday, noting the quick turnaround from the Giants' previous Monday night game, and the stormy "nor'easter" conditions in which the game in New Jersey was played.

"We'll be ready to play this next game, and going forward, excited about Jameis," he said.

McCarthy went 6-4 last season as a starter for Minnesota, completing 140-of-243 passes for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also ran for 181 yards and four touchdowns.

McCarthy, however, became expendable this season. He lost his starting role this season to free agent signing Kyler Murray, who went into concussion protocol and was replaced by Carson Wentz, who filled in until Murray returned in a 23-16 victory at Tampa Bay for the 3-0 Vikings.

Minnesota saves $4.5 million in salary cap space with the move.

T.Batista--PC