J.J. McCarthy has barely been a New York Giant for a week but he’s reportedly already on track to challenge Jameis Winston as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Giants traded for McCarthy earlier this week to add depth to their quarterback room following the season-ending injury to starter Jaxson Dart.
McCarthy was available after becoming surplus to requirements with the Minnesota Vikings following two poor years following their selection of him with a first-round draft pick in 2024.
Winston has played two games since Dart got hurt on the opening drive of New York’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams and led the team to an unconvincing win over the Tennessee Titans last week.
But, according to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, McCarthy is already pushing Winston hard for the starting job under John Harbaugh.
‘People I’ve talked to – say that it’s possible that McCarthy could play sooner than later if he learns the playbook and continues to acclimate,’ he said.
J.J. McCarthy is already reportedly on track to replace Jameis Winston as the Giants’ starter
Winston started last week’s win over the Titans after the season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart
McCarthy, 23, ked Michigan to a national championship under John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.
The Giants had previously evaluated McCarthy prior to the 2024 NFL Draft but opted to select Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick.
McCarthy, 23, was selected 10th overall by Minnesota two years ago after leading Michigan to a national championship under Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.
However, the 23-year-old found himself relegated to third on the Vikings’ depth chart this season behind starter Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz.
The former Michigan star has endured a rough ride in the NFL since getting drafted, after missing the entirety of his rookie season due to a torn meniscus.
He returned to earn the starting nod for Minnesota in 2025, producing a 6-4 record across 10 starts while throwing for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns alongside 12 interceptions, while adding four scores on the ground.
However, nagging injuries repeatedly disrupted his momentum throughout his sophomore campaign, including a fractured hand that sidelined him late in the year.
Minnesota subsequently revamped its quarterback room this past offseason, leaving McCarthy on the outside looking in before New York came calling.
In his first interview since he was acquired earlier this week, McCarthy admitted his trade to New York was a ‘shock.’
‘I didn’t anticipate it,’ McCarthy said, ‘but it’s an opportunity to take advantage of.
‘I loved this place from the second I walked in here. Just being able to be here now, it’s full circle. The [franchise] tradition is something I value tremendously.’
