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Giants Trade for J.J. McCarthy, Winston Starts First

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 2:51 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Giants Acquire McCarthy

Giants traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vikings for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Jameis Winston will start while McCarthy learns the Giants’ offense.
McCarthy’s 2026 base salary is $836,108.
Analyst Jonathan Jones said the Giants could trade McCarthy next offseason for a fifth-round pick if he performs well.
Head coach John Harbaugh said the team is still deciding how to use McCarthy and backup Jake Haener.

Summary

Giants Add Green

Giants added former Steelers center Kendrick Green to the practice squad.
The team cut practice-squad offensive lineman Darian Kinnard to make room for Green.
Offensive coordinator John Michael Schmitz missed Friday practice for a family matter but stays game-ready.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas practiced limitedly with a groin injury and is expected to play Sunday.
Giants host the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, no Saturday media availability.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the New York Giants traded with the San Diego Chargers, sending quarterback Philip Rivers and three draft picks for the first-overall slot, which they used to sign Eli Manning to a six-year, $45 million contract. The same aggressive quarterback-acquisition approach appears today as the Giants acquire rookie J.J. McCarthy for a 2027 fifth-round pick and add Kendrick Green to the practice squad.

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Giants Acquire McCarthy

Giants traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vikings for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Jameis Winston will start while McCarthy learns the Giants’ offense.
McCarthy’s 2026 base salary is $836,108.
Analyst Jonathan Jones said the Giants could trade McCarthy next offseason for a fifth-round pick if he performs well.
Head coach John Harbaugh said the team is still deciding how to use McCarthy and backup Jake Haener.

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