The Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota for a fifth-round pick after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. New York was 2-1, but had scored only 18 points—all field goals—in two games with Jameis Winston starting.
McCarthy, 23, was the 10th pick in the 2024 draft and missed his rookie season with a knee injury. Staff members were divided: supporters pointed to his mobility and familiarity with Jim Harbaugh’s offense, while a critic questioned his accuracy and decision-making, citing a 35.6 QBR over 10 games last season, 30th among qualifying quarterbacks.
One staff member noted that New York had no fourth- or fifth-round pick at the time, though it could potentially gain a fourth-rounder through the compensatory-pick formula after Austin Schlottmann joined Tennessee.
