The New York Giants have gone into panic mode after realizing that Jaxson Dart won’t play again in 2026. Jameis Winston is ready to fill in, but analysts like Mike Greenberg don’t seem sold on Winston starting the remaining 15 regular-season games.
In the latest episode of ESPN’s Get Up, Greenberg proposed a name whom the Giants should trade for in the next couple of days.
J.J. McCarthy, in theory, could come to the Giants, play well, and then have trade value somewhere else.
Mike Greenberg said
Greenberg noted that the Giants will remain Jaxson Dart’s team. McCarthy has to outshine Dart and build a soft corner in the heart of the fanbase to lock down a future roster spot. But that’s easier said than done.
Although Dart is 5-9 as a starter, he has established himself as the face of the franchise that has experienced success since the days of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan.
Meanwhile, McCarthy has been a massive disappointment. The former 10th overall draft pick has fallen out of favor in Minnesota. He lost the starter’s job to Kyler Murray and in the pecking order, behind veteran Carson Wentz. Wentz replaced Murray on opening day after he got injured and started last week. McCarthy has stated that he wants to stay in Minnesota and fight for the .
Giants author Gary Meyers on Twitter revealed that general manager Joe Schoen pursued McCarthy during the 2024 draft. So, he wouldn’t be surprised if Schoen rekindles his previous interest.
McCarthy’s trade value has spiraled down over the last couple of years. A late 5th- or early 6th-round draft pick should suffice to bring him to the Big Apple. Then again, will it be wise for John Harbaugh to go for McCarthy, who has struggled in Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system? Dart has found success in New York because he played in Lane Kiffin’s NFL-inspired offense at Ole Miss.
Several names have been floated after the Giants announced that Dart will undergo knee surgery. Joe Flacco, Mitch Trubisky, and Justin Fields are currently leading the race.
Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho threw an interesting name into the mix. Acho suggested that the Giants should trade for Mac Jones.
Giants should trade a 3rd or 4th round pick for Mac Jones… they have too much talent to waste this season.
Acho tweeted
Mac Jones is definitely an upgrade on McCarthy. His stock has risen in the last 15 months. Last year, he deputized for an injured Brock Purdy. Jones impressed so much that some analysts and a section of the San Francisco 49ers fanbase suggested that Jones should remain the starter for the rest of the year. Kyle Shanahan ignored the plea and reinstated Purdy as the starter.
Jaxson Dart began his sophomore year with a . He had 230 yards and 3 touchdown passes. However, against the Los Angeles Rams, the 25th overall and did not return. Later, the doctors confirmed he had suffered significant , including the meniscus, MCL, and PCL. According to New York media’s Jordan Raanan, Dart will undergo surgery.
Winston replaced Dart in the Rams game. He threw 11 completions for 111 yards and 1 interception. The Giants lost 28-6. Although Winston has experience in steadying a sinking ship, Greenberg believes McCarthy might do a better job.