J.J. McCarthy traded to Giants, the Cardinals’ next opponent

The Minnesota Vikings have traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick, according to multiple reports.

McCarthy, the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, fell out of favor in Minnesota after missing his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus, then struggling in 2025. Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray took over as the Vikings’ starter going into this season, with veteran Carson Wentz beating out McCarthy as the backup.

The Giants were desperate for quarterback play after Jaxson Dart was lost for the season with a knee injury he sustained in Week 2.

Their backup, Jameis Winston, struggled in relief of Dart during a loss in that game (11-for-27 passing, no touchdowns, one interception), but did just enough to lead New York to a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 (14-for-22, 118 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions).

The Cardinals will face the Giants on Sunday as they look to recover from back-to-back losses after starting the season 1-0.

It’s unclear if Winston will get the start for New York against Arizona, or if McCarthy will be thrown into the fire right away.

McCarthy led the Michigan Wolverines to a college national title in 2023. In the NFL, he’s completed 140 of his 243 pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

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