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Vikings’ trade of J.J. McCarthy to Giants shows just how hard it is to hit on young QBs

McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell should have been a match made in heaven. But things never worked out between the team and the first-round QB.

By Charlotte Carroll · Nytimes

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 12:13 AM

Key Things to Know

The Minnesota Vikings traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
Vikings leadership decided to move on after McCarthy showed limited progress and struggled with recurring injuries.
Minnesota signed quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz earlier in the year, with Murray installed as the current starter.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Minnesota Vikings have traded 23-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Nolan Teasley informed McCarthy of the decision on Monday morning following the team's 3-0 start to the season.

McCarthy's tenure in Minnesota was marred by injuries and inconsistent development after tearing his meniscus as a rookie in 2024. The Vikings subsequently reshuffled their quarterback room, signing Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz in the spring, which solidified Murray as the current starting quarterback.

Read the full article on Nytimes

Vikings’ trade of J.J. McCarthy to Giants shows just how hard it is to hit on young QBs

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