New York, New York - Second-year NFL quarterback JJ McCarthy was traded on Monday by Minnesota to the New York Giants, hoping to boost their scoring after a season-ending injury to starting signal-caller Jaxson Dart.
The Vikings received a fifth-round pick in next year's NFL Draft for McCarthy, who was selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft but missed the 2024 season with a right knee injury.
Dart suffered a left knee injury a week ago early in a 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and his replacement, Jameis Winston, struggled in a 12-7 victory over Tennessee last Sunday.
Giants coach John Harbaugh knows well 23-year-old McCarthy, who played in college at Michigan under Harbaugh's brother Jim, now coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
McCarthy went 6-4 last season as a starter for Minnesota, completing 140-of-243 passes for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also ran for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
McCarthy, however, became expendable this season.
He lost his starting role this season to free agent signing Kyler Murray, who went into concussion protocol and was replaced by Carson Wentz, who filled in until Murray returned in a 23-16 victory over Tampa Bay for the 3-0 Vikings.
Minnesota saves $4.5 million in salary cap space with the move.