The New York Giants are adding another quarterback after Jaxson Dart suffered an injury. On Monday, NFL media reported that J.J. McCarthy is joining the G-Men via trade from the Minnesota Vikings, a rumor that circulated for days despite reports suggesting that the move would never happen.
J.J. McCarthy was the QB3 for the Minnesota Vikings. His arrival was unclear, with Giants reporter Dan Duggan suggesting that trading for McCarthy or a backup like Justin Fields (currently with the Chiefs) looked difficult.
Duggan also pointed to the significant commitment the Giants made to Winston when they signed him to a major contract extension. Even so, the Giants are ultimately boosting their QB depth chart with McCarthy.
NY Giants trade for QB despite initial rumors
The Giants weren’t expected to make a trade before Monday. Days before the McCarthy trade, Dan Duggan directly addressed the speculation surrounding a trade for J.J. McCarthy and Justin Fields, calling the idea of trading for either quarterback unnecessary given the circumstances in New York.
“You hear these people throwing out ‘trade for J.J. McCarthy’ or ‘trade for Justin Fields.’ To me, that’s insane. I don’t even understand why that’s a topic. You literally paid Jameis Winston for this moments.”
The Giants’ investment in Winston was an important part of the equation after a two-year, $13 million extension. The veteran quarterback was signed to provide experience and stability at the position, and Dart’s injury has now created the exact situation in which Winston was expected to step into a larger role. There was therefore little indication that New York would suddenly abandon that plan and surrender assets for another quarterback.
However, the Tennessee Titans game appears to have changed the Giants’ mind. With the team failing to score a touchdown in an ugly 12-7 win, the front office ultimately considered that trading for McCarthy would give the Giants an option at QB in case they decide to bench Winston.
John Harbaugh already let Winston know the decision to start him in Week 4, but meanwhile, McCarthy will be learning the playbook to get ready to come in if needed.
Key takeaways
- Trading for J.J. McCarthy or Justin Fields was deemed unnecessary by Dan Duggan.
- Jameis Winston signed a two-year, $13 million extension to provide quarterback stability.
- J.J. McCarthy joined the Giants via trade after Week 3.
