J.J. McCarthy joins the NFC East

The New York Giants have reportedly acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade, following the season-ending injury of Jaxson Dart. McCarthy, who has struggled in his NFL career thus far, was drafted 10th overall in 2024 and missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Last season, he threw 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions with a 72.6 passer rating.

With the Vikings adding Kyler Murray and re-signing Carson Wentz, McCarthy has become their third quarterback option. While some may see the trade as funny for the Giants, it is not necessarily a bad deal for them, as they are only giving up a 2027 fifth-round pick. McCarthy, who turns 24 in January, is likely to struggle and may not even play ahead of Jameis Winston.

However, he could still be better than Jake Haener, who was the backup quarterback in Week 3. If the Giants are eliminated later in the season, playing McCarthy may not provide much insight, but it could be a potential trade piece in the offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles are unlikely to see McCarthy when they face the Giants in Week 9, but he may start by the time they meet again in Week 18.