Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy in trade as Jameis Winston remains starter against Arizona

Quarterback trade and roster shifts

The New York Giants acquired 23-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The roster move followed season-ending knee injuries to starting quarterback Jaxson Dart on 21 September and linebacker Brian Burns. Dart suffered the injury during a Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams, prompting veteran Jameis Winston to step into the starting lineup. McCarthy arrived in East Rutherford and took part in his first practice with the 2-1 Giants on Wednesday. While the acquisition gives New York another young passer, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Winston will remain the starting quarterback for Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Very talented player (who) is going to make us a stronger football team. Excited about it. Think it makes us better.

Winston welcomes McCarthy to New York

Despite the arrival of another quarterback, the 32-year-old Winston expressed enthusiasm about working alongside McCarthy. Winston publicly invited the newcomer to join his daily workout routine and noted their shared backgrounds as national championship winners who developed under the Harbaugh family. McCarthy won the 2023 College Football Playoff at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, while Winston currently plays for John Harbaugh in New York. Winston dismissed suggestions that acquiring McCarthy presented an organizational challenge or sign of disrespect, stating his focus remains on personal improvement and long-term team success.

Hey man, tell you what, if he's attracted to it, I'm open. I'm open. What I want for myself, I want for everyone. So, if he wants to join the routine, he's definitely welcome.

I feel challenged to get better every single day. I just think that's the makeup of who I am as a person. Always looking for ways to build on the positives and eliminate the negatives.... No matter the circumstances, condition or facts, my mind is on what my heart desires, and that's to be a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

Offensive performance and defensive support

Winston's path under center follows mixed results across his first two appearances of the season. After entering in relief against the Rams, Winston struggled to settle into an offensive game plan originally tailored around Dart's running mobility. In his first full start, Winston led New York to a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans in heavy rain and strong winds. Winston completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards without turning the ball over, guiding an offense that produced 238 total yards and zero touchdowns. New York secured the victory through four field goals from rookie kicker Dominic Zvada and a final-minute interception in the end zone by safety Jevon Holland against Titans quarterback Cam Ward.

Preparation for the Arizona Cardinals

Harbaugh reiterated his commitment to Winston as the starter for Sunday's home game against the 1-2 Cardinals, expressing confidence that the offense will execute effectively. The Giants coaching staff has not determined whether McCarthy or practice squad quarterback Jake Haener will serve as the primary backup on Sunday. Winston described McCarthy as curious and motivated to make an impact with a new organization, while Harbaugh described the trade acquisition as the strongest option available under the circumstances.

Jameis will be our starter, for sure. And he's going to play a winning football game. I know that. I have complete confidence that Jameis is going to play a great football game on Sunday, and that our guys are going to play great around him.