Why Giants HC John Harbaugh Is ‘Excited’ About QB J.J. McCarthy

What QB J.J. McCarthy Brings To The New York Giants

The addition of McCarthy brings competition to current starting quarterback Jameis Winston, who has struggled this season. In two appearances and one start, Winston ranks No. 30 in Total QBR at 22.9. Winston has completed just 51% of his throws (25-of-49) for 229 yards with an interception. Winston, who’s now 32, has thrown the ball inaccurately and with diminishing arm strength than in his past.

While it’ll take some time for McCarthy to learn New York’s scheme, there could be a point this season where his number is called upon if Winston doesn’t improve.

McCarthy had his first practice with the team on Wednesday afternoon.

“He had a really good practice. Seems like he picked up things we asked him to pick up really well,” Harbaugh said. “Was in here late, early. Studying, learning. Has a really good football foundation, all the kinds of stuff. That’s exciting. It’s another good football player at an important position.”

It wasn’t long ago that McCarthy was the No. 10 overall selection by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. It also wasn’t that long ago that McCarthy, 23, had a 27-1 starting record at the University of Michigan and won a national championship.

Harbaugh called McCarthy a “winning quarterback”, and “tough” runner and player.

“I don’t think anybody would deny that J.J. McCarthy is a very talented young quarterback,” Harbaugh said.

McCarthy missed his rookie season after injuring his knee in the preseason and also missed seven games last season. McCarthy went 6-4 as a starter in 2025, but ultimately moved to No. 3 on the quarterback depth chart behind free agent Kyler Murray and veteran Carson Wentz.

Despite things not working out for McCarthy in Minnesota, he now has a great opportunity in front of him with the Giants. McCarthy has a head coach in John Harbaugh who is the brother of his college head coach at Michigan, current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. McCarthy has an offensive coordinator in Matt Nagy who has two Super Bowl wins as an assistant and loves to utilize mobile quarterbacks.

Will J.J. McCarthy Replace Jameis Winston As New York Giants QB1?

Harbaugh said, “Who knows where it goes or where it doesn’t go?” about McCarthy in New York – but the hope is that it goes in a positive direction during the 2026 season, whether he supplants Winston as starter or is the backup behind him.

“I think he’s a strong, young quarterback, has some experience in National Football League,” Harbaugh said. “Obviously, was a very high draft pick. Very talented player and is going to make us a stronger football team.”

McCarthy presents a stiff challenge for Winston, but it’ll be a cordial competition – Winston already has a positive impression of McCarthy, who will wear No. 18 for New York.

“I think he’s a good kid,” Winston said, per Charlotte Carroll and Dan Duggan of The Athletic. “He’s curious, and he wants to be great. I think anybody who gets an opportunity to come to a new organization with a fresh start wants to make an impact.”

The Eagles and Giants are atop the standings in the NFC East at 2-1, with the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys both at 2-1. It could be a tight race for who will win the division, and the addition of McCarthy shows the Giants have high aspirations during John Harbaugh’s first season in New York. They aren’t merely rolling with Jameis Winston for better and worse. A reason why New York’s Week 4 tilt versus the Arizona Cardinals is extremely important for Winston.