The Giants are switching things up after their QB room took a massive hit. With starting quarterback Jaxson Dart sidelined for the season following knee surgery, the team brought in J.J. McCarthy. It’s a move that has people talking, but two NFL vets think the vibes are actually on point.
A fresh start for McCarthy
On a recent episode of Set Hut on CBS Sports, Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson and Pro Bowler Kyle Long shared their take on the trade. Wilson noted that this could be a "great" situation for McCarthy to get his career back on track. While Jameis Winston is currently holding down the starting job, McCarthy now has the chance to learn under him and be ready if his number is called.
Kyle Long emphasized that the team’s messaging needs to be clear: Winston is the guy for now, and Dart remains the franchise leader once he’s back from injury. "Look, they need him, and he needs them, so I think it's a good situation for him," Long said.
The path forward
McCarthy’s career has been a rollercoaster. After a major rookie season injury, he had a tough 2025 campaign in Minnesota plagued by a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a hand injury. He finished that season 6-4 with 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He didn't see the field in 2026 after Kyler Murray took over the starting gig.
Wilson also tipped his cap to coach John Harbaugh, noting that having a former high draft pick who’s a known competitor waiting in the wings is a huge W for the roster.
Why it matters
This trade is a high-stakes insurance policy for the Giants. By snagging McCarthy, they get a hungry, experienced backup to fill the void left by Dart's injury, while McCarthy gets a low-pressure environment to reset after a string of bad luck. It's giving "strategic comeback," and if the chemistry clicks with Winston, it could be exactly what the team needs to survive the season.
