Giants linked to Vikings QB bust as 'value' trade target amid Jaxon Dart's injury image
After Week 2's loss, the New York Giants got some awful news, as Jaxson Dart is confirmed to be headed for knee surgery that'll end his 2026 season.
With a major hole at the quarterback position, adding a new option behind Jameis Winston would make sense. There are some intriguing trade targets they could consider as some Dart insurance.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently proposed that Minnesota Vikings QB bust, J.J. McCarthy, would make sense as an option. McCarthy, the first-round bust, would also likely be available at a "value," making a trade all the more appealing.
Giants linked to J.J. McCarthy as 'value' trade target
"It might be worth a call to Minnesota, where J.J. McCarthy toils on the bench," Fowler writes. "General manager Jo Schoen did a lot of homework on the 2024 draft class of quarterbacks, so he knows the pros and cons of McCarthy's game. Rival teams believe McCarthy can be acquired at a value since Minnesota doesn't appear to have him in the long-term plans."
Adding quarterback depth would make a lot of sense for the Giants, and McCarthy would be a very intriguing option.
Since Dart will miss the rest of the season, taking a flier on McCarthy, especially if he's a cheap option, would help not just in 2026, but also provide some extra depth for 2027.
McCarthy is obviously only available at a value thanks to poor play last season in his first chance as the Vikings' starter since being drafted No. 10 overall in 2024.
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He made 10 starts, went 6-4, but had a 57.6 completion percentage with an 11-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 1,632 passing yards in 10 games were also very underwhelming.
It wasn't due to a lack of weapons, a poor run game, or poor offensive line play either. McCarthy just struggled last season and is now the QB3 on the Vikings roster.
Some team should take a chance on McCarthy, as there is still potential, even if his NFL career so far has not gone well.
Dart is out for the season, so the Giants should be seeking out quarterback help. Winston is a veteran starter, so adding someone who can be a high-upside option like McCarthy would be a smart move to make.
With a likely cheap cost considering the "value" report from Fowler, this link to McCarthy makes a lot of sense for the Giants. While they might prefer a veteran to get through the season, McCarthy is a good high-upside, cheap option to consider.
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