J.J. McCarthy Makes Unwanted History With Trade

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants, is set to make unwanted history. Despite being drafted 10th overall by the Vikings in 2024, McCarthy has only played 10 games, missing most of his rookie season due to a torn meniscus and suffering a high ankle sprain, concussion and fracture in his throwing hand during his second year.

In 2026, he failed to secure the starting position, falling behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. Now, McCarthy faces the dubious distinction of being the fourth QB in the past 25 years, following Paxton Lynch, Trey Lance and Johnny Manziel, to start 10 or fewer games for the team that drafted him. While Lance has had a decent career, backing up Justin Herbert for the Chargers, Manziel has veered off into MMA and arena football.

For McCarthy, the move to the Giants under John Harbaugh, brother of his college coach Jim Harbaugh, offers a chance to rewrite his narrative. Unlike Lynch and Manziel, McCarthy still has a path to alter the narrative, as he could claim the starting role from Jameis Winston following Jaxson Dart's injury. However, the Vikings received only a fifth-round pick in return, a trade that will be etched in fans' memories.