The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a trade that will send McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick, to play for John Harbaugh's team in the Big Apple in exchange for a mid-round 2027 draft pick and a chance to salvage their season.John Harbaugh apparently thinks McCarthy has some of what his brother predicted still in him despite rough times in Minnesota.And as the Giants are 2-1, the coach is doing what he can to win.MINNESOTA VIKINGS SURPRISINGLY DEMOTE FORMER FIRST-ROUND PICK JJ MCCARTHY TO THIRD STRINGMinnesota Vikings quarterback J.J.
McCarthy (9) passes against the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec.21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)But, let's be honest.If McCarthy continues being what he's been, this ain't going to salvage the season for the Giants.Sorry to rain on your tickertape parade, Giants fans.This move is more to avoid humiliation if starter Jameis Winston gets hurt.The Vikings are trading McCarthy for a fifth-round pick in 2027 only three years after drafting him in the first round because, well, the experiment failed.
They do not believe they can salvage him.The Vikings won't say this publicly.They'll say something like they wish McCarthy the best with his new team.But the truth is they've moved on because McCarthy has been too-often injured and too inconsistent when he has been able to play or practice.Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J.
McCarthy (9) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on Sept.8, 2025.
(Matt Marton/Imagn Images)Lately, McCarthy dropped from the team's starter at the end of last season, to fighting for the starting job with Kyler Murray in training camp, to losing that battle, to then dropping to third string when the regular season began.When Murray missed time after suffering a concussion in the season-opener, the Vikings turned to Carson Wentz in his place.McCarthy remained a backup.That was a s...