J.J. McCarthy 'Shocked' by Vikings Trade, Eager for New Opportunity with Giants

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy described his recent trade from the Vikings to the New York Giants as a "shock," but one he is prepared to capitalize on. McCarthy, who was a first-round pick by the Vikings less than three seasons ago, was acquired by the Giants for a fifth-round pick.

He is set to serve as the backup quarterback for Jameis Winston while Jaxson Dart is sidelined. "I didn’t anticipate it," McCarthy said in his first interview since the trade, "but it’s an opportunity to take advantage of."

The initial surprise of the trade was tempered by calls from Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who had scouted McCarthy before the 2024 draft, and head coach John Harbaugh, whose brother Jim coached McCarthy in college. McCarthy expressed his immediate comfort with the Giants organization, stating, "I loved this place from the second I walked in here. Made of the right stuff. Just being able to be here now, it’s full circle. The (franchise) tradition is something I value tremendously."

Mccarthy declined to speculate on the reasons for his departure from the Vikings, choosing instead to focus on learning the Giants' offense. "Offensive football is all the same concepts for the most part. It’s about getting the verbiage down, and I feel like I’m picking it up pretty quickly," he said. "I’m focused on the next thing. Where I’ll end up is where I’ll end up when the time gets there."

McCarthy was seen practicing at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday.