Tom Pelissero outlined why Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy could appeal to the Giants, citing past scouting and his low-cost rookie deal, but did not confirm trade interest. Jameis Winston is set to start against Tennessee after Dart’s season-ending knee injury.
Pelissero said the Giants extensively scouted McCarthy and the 2024 quarterback class before selecting Jaxson Dart in 2025. McCarthy went 6-4 as Minnesota’s starter last season, though injuries derailed his time as QB1. Pelissero said McCarthy’s mobility could let the Giants use quarterback-run concepts from Nagy’s playbook that are likely to be largely dormant with Winston starting.
Pelissero said McCarthy is in the third year of his rookie deal, with about $3.775 million in total 2027 compensation guaranteed. At 23, he is less than four months older than Dart.
