The New York Giants quarterback carousel appears to be spinning again.
Originally set in motion by a season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart, the ride appeared to come to a stop with the emergence of backup quarterback Jameis Winston. Then the trade for J.J. McCarthy on Sept. 28 added another layer of intrigue.
Winston's rocky Week 6 performance, combined with a furious McCarthy-led comeback attempt that fell short, was enough for the "G-Men" to start considering a quarterback change.
Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Oct. 19 that the team was having those discussions about whether to stick with Winston moving forward.
“We’re working through that now – honing in on a decision,” Harbaugh said.
The coach was then asked what goes into that decision.
“Well I would probably say like absolutely every other personnel decision we make, what gives us the best chance to win the football game at this given time or what combination of players, schemes, and things like that, give us the best chance, in this case, to in this case move the ball, score points, protect the football, etc.,” Harbaugh said.
“All the things that help us win. Whatever it is that furthers us and helps us, just to use the basic obvious point, that’s what we want to do.”
Harbaugh opened the door to that discussion after the Giants' Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. When asked by reporters whether he was prepared to make McCarthy the team's starter, Harbaugh simply replied with, "I can't answer it now."
He noted that the change wasn't up for debate at the time, but later said those things won't be decided "10 minutes after the game."
Winston has filled in admirably for the injured Dart, leading the Giants to a 2-1-1 record in his four starts. However, he is completing only 57% of passes, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
McCarthy has sparked debate for the Giants after helping lead the team's fourth-quarter comeback attempt in Week 6. In his limited action, the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback is completing 52.4% of passes with one touchdown and one interception.
He does have more rushing upside, but age is the bigger factor.
At just 23 years old and in his third season after being the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the curiosity is whether the Giants can unlock what a team like the Vikings originally saw in the former Michigan standout. The possibility of developing McCarthy into even a backup-level signal-caller could sound more enticing than rolling with the 32-year-old Winston – who is a proven commodity at this point.
It remains to be seen which healthy quarterback actually gives the Giants the best chance to win.
But that's why Harbaugh is making the big bucks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giants QB change? Harbaugh says team still 'working through' decision with Winston, McCarthy
