John Harbaugh Makes Feelings Known on J.J. McCarthy
John Harbaugh Makes Feelings Known on J.J. McCarthy Trade to Giants 1
John Harbaugh made his stance clear about the New York Giants adding J.J. McCarthy to its quarterback room. The Giants sent a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a former first-round pick.
New York Giants, John Harbaugh, Juju Smith-SchusterNew York Giants, John Harbaugh, Juju Smith-Schuster
May 21, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks at a press conference during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
John Harbaugh Makes Feelings Known on ‘Very Talented’ J.J. McCarthy
Harbaugh made it clear on Monday that the organization sees plenty to like in the 23-year-old passer. “Really glad, really happy, very excited to have JJ McCarthy,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s a strong young quarterback, has some experience in the National Football League. Obviously was a very high draft pick, very talented player and is gonna make us a stronger football team.”
"This was an opportunity that came up. Really glad, really happy, very excited to have JJ McCarthy"
John Harbaugh talks about the Giants' decision to trade for JJ McCarthy pic.twitter.com/BzPPWFNZH3
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) September 28, 2026
McCarthy’s trade comes after the Giants’ QB1, Jaxson Dart, suffered a knee injury in Week 2. It left the Giants searching for additional help at quarterback. Harbaugh said that the team was “turning over every stone” before landing on McCarthy.
There is also an obvious Michigan connection. McCarthy’s strongest college years came under Harbaugh’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, at Michigan. McCarthy was selected 10th overall by the Vikings in 2024.
J.J. McCarthy arrives, but Jameis Winston remains QB1
Despite the trade, Harbaugh isn’t immediately handing the offense to McCarthy. Jameis Winston will start Sunday’s Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Harbaugh believes that getting McCarthy comfortable in a new offense during the middle of a season will be “a challenge.”
Meanwhile, Winston has already helped the Giants win once this season, leading them to a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards without a touchdown in that game. His relief appearance against the Rams the previous week was considerably rougher, as he finished 11-of-27 for 111 yards and an interception.
For McCarthy, on the other hand, the trade represents a dramatic reset after the Vikings moved on from him following just 10 career starts. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in those appearances.
McCarthy’s NFL journey has also been hampered by injuries. He missed his entire rookie season with a preseason knee injury and dealt with regular physical setbacks. Now the former No. 10 pick gets another opportunity in New York.
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