Giants Eyeing Another Major Trade After JJ McCarthy Move

The New York Giants have experienced a series of setbacks since the beginning of the 2026 season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in their opening Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Following this, star edge-rusher Brian Burns also sustained a season-ending ACL injury the subsequent week. In response to these injuries, the Giants made a significant move by trading a fifth-round pick to the former Minnesota Vikings for quarterback J.J.

McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Currently, McCarthy is anticipated to compete with Jameis Winston for the starting quarterback position. While options for acquiring additional edge rushers through trades are limited, with few available at the same level as Burns, the Giants may be considering another major trade to bolster their defense.

According to USA Today's Art Stapleton, there has been considerable talk about the Giants pursuing cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The whispers surrounding this potential trade have grown louder in recent days, with Stapleton suggesting that if the move occurs, it would likely be due to the Giants putting pressure on the Steelers.

However, the validity of this speculation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Porter Jr. has been linked to multiple teams throughout the past few weeks, as his contract negotiations with the Steelers have hit a dead end. Reports indicate that the Steelers offered Porter Jr. a contract worth more than $27 million, surpassing the deals provided to Patrick Surtain of the Denver Broncos and Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers.

Despite the absence of any resolution regarding a new contract, Porter Jr. has expressed his intent to participate in the season. Although his relationship with the Steelers may be strained, a change of scenery through a trade could potentially provide the former second-round cornerback with the opportunity he seeks.