The New York Giants are reeling after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury in Week 2 that could sideline him for the entire season. The injury occurred during Monday night's game when Dart took a hit from Los Angeles Rams linebackers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart. Initial reports suggested a minor MCL sprain, but further testing revealed a more serious issue.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "Further testing today revealed Giants QB Jaxson Dart's knee injury is worse than initially thought, and the team and Dart now are facing the possibility of season-ending knee surgery." The news is a devastating blow for a Giants team that had high hopes for their dual-threat rookie.
With Dart likely done for the year, the Giants are left with Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback. While Winston brings experience, he may not be the ideal fit for the RPO-heavy offense the team had tailored to Dart's skill set. That's why some are calling for the Giants to explore the trade market for a younger, more mobile option.
One name that has surfaced is Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Giants author Gary Myers believes Big Blue should consider making a move for the 23-year-old. "If Jaxson Dart is done for the year, I think the Giants should trade for Vikings third-string QB J.J. McCarthy," Myers wrote on social media. "GM Joe Schoen considered him w/6th overall pick in 2024 (they took Malik Nabers). McCarthy helped Jim Harbaugh win national championship in 2023 and he loves McCarthy. John and Jim often sign players with a history with each other. Probably would cost only mid-round pick and Giants could run same RPO offense they were using with Dart that is not suited to Jameis Winston. If McCarthy plays well for Giants, can build up his value to trade him after season or supplant Winston as Dart's backup. Low-risk move. McCarthy has been huge disappointment in Minnesota but he's only 23 years old, a few months older than Dart."
McCarthy, the former Michigan standout, was selected 10th overall by the Vikings in 2024 but has yet to live up to expectations. However, his familiarity with the Harbaugh coaching tree—John Harbaugh is the Ravens' head coach and Jim Harbaugh coached McCarthy at Michigan—could make him an intriguing reclamation project. The Giants' current offensive system under coordinator Matt Nagy relies heavily on quarterback mobility, something Winston lacks.
Dart, meanwhile, was coming off a promising rookie campaign in which he threw for 2,272 yards, rushed for 487 yards, and totaled 24 touchdowns. His absence leaves a significant void in the Giants' offense. The team could also look to the latest update on Dart's knee for clarity on his recovery timeline, but the possibility of surgery looms large.
If the Giants do pursue McCarthy, it wouldn't be without risk. He would need time to learn the playbook, and Winston's familiarity with the system gives him an edge in the short term. Yet, McCarthy's youth and dual-threat ability could offer long-term upside. As Myers noted, it's a low-risk move that could pay dividends if McCarthy flourishes.
For now, the Giants must navigate a challenging situation. They'll need to decide whether to roll with Winston or make a trade to salvage their season. With the quarterback carousel already spinning, Eli Manning's reaction to Dart's injury underscored the gravity of the moment. Big Blue fans are left hoping for the best but bracing for a bumpy ride.
