The New York Giants are facing a quarterback crisis, and head coach John Harbaugh isn't hiding it. After losing starter Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury on Monday night, the team is actively exploring every avenue to shore up the position—and that includes bringing in a veteran signal-caller.
"We will," Harbaugh said when asked about adding a veteran quarterback, via video from SNY Giants. "We plan on doing that, absolutely. Can't say who at this point. We're working on that."
The Giants sit at 1-1, but the injury to Dart—suffered in a Monday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams—has thrown their season into flux. With backup Jameis Winston now under center, Harbaugh made it clear that no stone will be left unturned.
"All options are open," Harbaugh said, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN.
Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick, took over for Dart on Monday and struggled, completing just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Despite the rough outing, Harbaugh stood by his quarterback.
"Jameis is one of our guys who obviously is here for a reason," Harbaugh said postgame. "He's a very good football player."
Still, the Giants are clearly not content to simply ride with Winston. ESPN has linked the team to free agent Jimmy Garoppolo and Minnesota Vikings backup J.J. McCarthy. Garoppolo, however, has reportedly considered retirement, and it's unclear if either side is interested. McCarthy, meanwhile, is buried on Minnesota's depth chart and could be available for the right price.
"Yes, the Giants should consider it, but they are only as good as their options. And options are scarce," ESPN wrote. "Jimmy Garoppolo is the most viable free agent option, but he has considered retirement, and it's uncertain whether either side is interested."
"The best play might be making a phone call to Minnesota, where J.J. McCarthy is buried on the depth chart. Some teams I've talked to believe that McCarthy could come at a value because he does not appear to be in the Vikings' long-term plans."
The Giants' next test comes Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. E.T., and Harbaugh's decision-making in the coming days will be crucial. The team's handling of Dart's injury has already drawn criticism, and now the front office must act quickly to stabilize the most important position on the field.
While trading for McCarthy is one possibility, Harbaugh's preference for a veteran suggests a more immediate fix. But with limited options available, the Giants may have to get creative—or trust Winston to turn things around.
Either way, Harbaugh's admission signals that the Giants are not content to stand pat. The coming days will reveal just how far they're willing to go to keep their season alive.
