Overview
- Last week the Minnesota Vikings traded McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth‑round pick and the Giants made him an active player for their Week 4 game on Sunday.
- McCarthy was in uniform and the team had a limited, prepped "McCarthy package," but he did not enter the Giants’ 36‑24 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
- New York acquired him primarily for immediate depth after Jaxson Dart’s season‑ending knee injury while keeping veteran Jameis Winston as the starter.
- The Giants inherited McCarthy’s rookie deal and control of his fifth‑year option, which gives the club a low‑cost chance to develop him or to sell him for value in the 2027 offseason as some outlets have speculated.
- At least one NFL evaluator noted the Harbaugh connection and a lower‑pressure role behind Winston could help McCarthy reset his career, and the team will be watched for whether he earns meaningful snaps or improved trade value.