The New York Giants’ search for their next franchise quarterback has taken an intriguing twist. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the team could target Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy instead of drafting a rookie. However, acquiring McCarthy would come at a steep cost—potentially the No. 3 overall pick and more.
McCarthy, a former Michigan standout and 2024 first-round pick, spent most of his rookie year recovering from a knee injury.
Despite his limited experience, Kiper believes McCarthy is the best quarterback option available to the Giants: “[But] if you look at his grade last year compared to the grades this year of the quarterbacks, he would be the No. 1 guy. He would be ahead of Drew Allar,” Kiper told Unsportsmanlike Radio on ESPN. “He would be certainly ahead of Cam and Shedeur.”
The playoff situation coming up in Minnesota will determine everything about how the Vikings handle their QB situation. @MelKiperESPN thinks the New York Giants would give up their number three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for JJ McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/4pPlCPqSIx
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) January 8, 2025
The Giants, desperate to rebound after a dismal 3-14 season, face an offseason of high-stakes decisions. While drafting Ward or Sanders remains an option, trading for McCarthy would allow the Giants to skip the uncertainty of draft-day maneuvering—if they’re willing to pay the price.
Is J.J. McCarthy the answer for the G-Men?
While McCarthy’s potential is through the roof, the price to acquire him is steep. Kiper speculates that the Vikings would want more than the No. 3 pick, possibly including additional draft assets. For a team already in rebuild mode, the Giants must carefully weigh whether McCarthy’s potential justifies such a significant investment.
McCarthy’s appeal lies in his mobility, decision-making, and experience in a pro-style offense—traits that align well with Brian Daboll’s system. However, questions remain. McCarthy is unproven at the NFL level, having only played sparingly in the preseason before his injury. Banking the team’s future on a player with such limited experience would be a massive gamble.
The Giants’ draft position complicates matters. With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders projected to go first and second, the team may be forced to settle for a less appealing prospect at No. 3. Trading for McCarthy could eliminate that uncertainty, giving the Giants a player many evaluators rank above this year’s top QB prospects.
Acquiring McCarthy would be a bold move, but it might be the spark the Giants need to move forward. For Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll, whose jobs are on the line after back-to-back disappointing seasons, the decision could make or break their tenure in New York.
The Vikings, meanwhile, have a decision to make as well. With Sam Darnold coming off a career year, McCarthy might not fit into Minnesota’s plans. If the Giants are serious about McCarthy, now is the time to strike—but the steep cost means it’s a move that must be made with absolute conviction.
The G-Men need clarity at quarterback, and they need it now. Whether through the draft or a blockbuster trade, their next decision will define the franchise’s future. If McCarthy truly is the answer, Schoen and Daboll must decide if the potential reward is worth the gamble. We give it the green light.