EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Quarterback J.J. McCarthy called his trade from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants a "shock," but said he views it as an opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.
The Giants acquired McCarthy this week, sending a fifth-round pick to the Vikings. McCarthy was a top-10 selection in the 2024 NFL draft and spent just over two years in Minnesota.
"When I got the call here, it was a shock. I didn't anticipate it, but at the end of the day, it's an opportunity," McCarthy said in his first public comments since the trade. "It's an opportunity to take advantage of. And I love these guys already and I can't wait to do it for them."
McCarthy has spent his initial week with the Giants working with the scout team. Jameis Winston is the starting quarterback following a season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart. Jake Haener, on the practice squad, served as Winston's backup the previous week.
Giants coach John Harbaugh did not specify whether McCarthy would be second or third-string for the upcoming game against Arizona. McCarthy said his focus is on the current week's game plan and being fully prepared rather than immediately seeking a starting role.
Harbaugh praised McCarthy's initial efforts. "A lot of it is just learning the offense," Harbaugh said. "Thought he did a good job with that, 24/7 almost. Really trying to be immersed in the offense. He wants to learn. He wants to know it all."
McCarthy played for John Harbaugh's brother, Jim Harbaugh, at the University of Michigan and won a national championship with him. John Harbaugh said he closely watched McCarthy at Michigan and his brother spoke highly of him.
"Absolutely love the Harbaugh family," McCarthy said. "They're made of the right stuff. Faith, family, football." He cited John Harbaugh's sustained success in Baltimore as "super inspiring" and said he could feel that ethos within the Giants' facility.
McCarthy declined to elaborate on the reasons for his departure from Minnesota. "There's a multitude of things you could think of, but at the end of the day, it's all in the past," McCarthy said. "And all I care about is what's important now — that next rep, that next meeting, that next game."
