It was widely expected that the New York Giants would make a move for a quarterback once it became known that starter Jaxson Dart would need season-ending knee surgery.
What wasn’t expected was that the Giants would make a trade for a quarterback, and it was very unexpected that they’d make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for J.J. McCarthy
. But trade they did, and now McCarthy is aInterestingly, John Harbaugh said after the trade that it was the Giants’ front office that first floated the idea
of trading for the 2024 10th overall pick, and not the other way around. But still, Harbaugh was very familiar with McCarthy, both from following Michigan when Jim Harbaugh was leading them to the National Championship, and with conversations with his brother.
Familiarity is one piece of the puzzle, and so too is the fact that McCarthy shares a number of traits with Dart. In hindsight, the move does make sense.
Excitement over the trade aside, John Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that Jameis Winston remains the Giants’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.
But just how long a leash does Winston have? He has not played well since taking over as QB1 following Dart’s injury.
It’s possible that his play can be chalked up to being uncomfortable in a jury-rigged gameplan against the Los Angeles Rams and the miserable conditions this past week against the Tennessee Titans. But the Giants aren’t giving up on the 2026 season despite losing Dart and now Brian Burns. That already has people speculating on when we could see McCarthy on the field as QB1 for the Giants.
So we put that question to you, the Giants fans. When do you think McCarthy will take over and assume the starting job?
A) Never. Jameis will rebound and hold be the starter through the end of the season.
B) In two to three weeks. Jameis is on a short leash and gets pulled if he continues to struggle against the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, or New Orleans Saints.
C) Over the bye week. The Giants will give McCarthy time to settle in and learn the system before turning the offense over to him.
D) In December. The Giants have a tough run from November 22nd through December 13th, with the Jaguars, Colts, 49ers, and Seahawks. They’ll let McCarthy play after that.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country.













