Jaxson Dart Injury Opens Door For Giants To Trade For Top Pick QB
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The New York Giants hoped Jaxson Dart would anchor their offense for years. A hard hit on Monday night against the Rams has put that plan in serious doubt. Further testing now shows the knee damage is worse than first believed.
Adam Schefter reported that Dart and the team face the possibility of season-ending surgery. The injury stands out as the most significant among all quarterback setbacks from Week 2. Coach John Harbaugh said evaluations continue and the staff has learned more details.
Trade Idea Gains Traction For Giants Quarterback Depth
Veteran reporter Gary Myers offered a clear suggestion if Dart is done for the year. He believes the Giants should trade for Minnesota Vikings third-string quarterback JJ McCarthy. Myers noted that general manager Joe Schoen strongly considered McCarthy with the sixth overall pick in 2024 before taking Malik Nabers.
McCarthy helped Jim Harbaugh win a national championship at Michigan in 2023. John and Jim Harbaugh often prefer players with shared history. Myers argued the cost would likely stay at a mid-round pick. The Giants could keep running the same RPO offense that suited Dart but does not fit Jameis Winston as well.
McCarthy is only 23 years old, just a few months older than Dart. He has been a disappointment in Minnesota so far. Yet a change of scenery under the Harbaughs could help him regain form. If he plays well, the Giants could later trade him or keep him as Dart’s long-term backup.
Trade interest in McCarthy is not brand new. Earlier this year, reports showed three teams contacted the Vikings about a potential JJ McCarthy trade. Another proposal explored sending McCarthy to reunite with a former coach in a deal that would send shockwaves.
Minnesota Vikings Could Move On From JJ McCarthy
The Vikings currently list McCarthy behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. Minnesota has shown limited willingness to move him without strong compensation. Still, the Giants’ sudden need creates fresh opportunity. Jameis Winston struggled in relief against the Rams, completing just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception.
Harbaugh and Schoen have not publicly addressed any interest in McCarthy. The focus remains on Dart’s recovery path for now. Yet the low-risk nature of the idea has already drawn attention across the league. A mid-round investment could give the Giants a young quarterback with scheme familiarity while Dart heals or transitions to a backup role.
The situation remains fluid as medical decisions continue. Any move for McCarthy would depend on final confirmation of Dart’s timeline and Minnesota’s willingness to deal.
