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1h ago

Giants Name J.J. McCarthy Their Starting Quarterback

Coaches say his mobility lets New York restore option-based parts of the offense and gives the team a short-term window to evaluate him as its directional starter.

Oct 18, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) throws a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that McCarthy will replace Jameis Winston as the Giants’ starter and that the move is the team’s direction going forward.
  • McCarthy earned the chance after he relieved Winston in Week 6 and produced a fourth-quarter rally that included 243 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception and 26 rushing yards.
  • Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy says McCarthy’s dual-threat skill set allows the Giants to reopen many of the run-option and RPO plays they removed after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury.
  • Teammates including Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely have publicly backed McCarthy’s arm and confidence while some analysts and former players have warned he still needs to improve accuracy, anticipation and decision-making.
  • The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Vikings on Sept. 28 for a 2027 fifth-round pick and will test the new plan in Week 7 at Houston, a step that could reshape play-calling, the running back mix and the club’s QB pecking order depending on his performance.