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Giants Paying Peanuts for QB JJ McCarthy After Acquiring Him From the Vikings

The New York Giants didn’t exactly make a blockbuster trade when they went looking for another quarterback. Yet, what looked like a desperate midseason move turned into a surprisingly financial gain for Big Blue.

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 9:15 PM
Giants Paying Peanuts for QB JJ McCarthy After Acquiring Him From the Vikings
Key Things to Know
  • The Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a modest $836,108 remaining 2026 base salary.
  • New York traded a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to Minnesota in the permanent transfer deal.
  • McCarthy was acquired after Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Following a season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart, the Giants added McCarthy to a quarterback room led by Jameis Winston. The trade carries minimal financial risk for New York, as McCarthy's remaining base salary for the 2026 season is just $836,108.

McCarthy remains on his four-year rookie contract originally signed after being drafted 10th overall in 2024. After losing Minnesota's starting role to Kyler Murray, McCarthy joins a Giants offense overseen by offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and head coach John Harbaugh.

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