J.J. McCarthy will get a new start with Big Blue, and a new number. The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback will wear No. 18 for the New York Giants, per The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. Since his old No. 9 is being used by veteran tight end Isaiah Likely, the national champion will double his number. John Harbaugh hopes that McCarthy will double up in performance as well.

Minnesota traded up one spot and selected the accomplished Michigan Wolverines signal-caller with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, identifying him to be a perfect fit to lead its offense. The Vikings' plan quickly went awry, as McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and missed his entire rookie season. He continued to endure injury troubles in 2025, and throwing inaccuracies only compounded matters.

Despite possessing a QB room rife with question marks, first-year general manager Nolan Teasley decided to trade the 23-year-old to the Giants in exchange for a 2027 fifth-rounder. New York is trying to navigate its own uncertainties under center. Rising talent Jaxson Dart sustained a season-ending knee injury just eight nights after posting a terrific outing versus the Dallas Cowboys, forcing Harbaugh to thrust backup Jameis Winston into the starting role. The offense has been spotty, to say the least.

McCarthy will sit behind Winston for Sunday afternoon's home game against the Arizona Cardinals, but if the latter has another lackluster showing, the team will be incentivized to give the newcomer a shot. While many fans preferred more experience and credibility at the position, there is merit to gambling on a third-year player who drew plenty of praise entering the NFL.

John Harbaugh has successfully overseen the development of both Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco and is doing a nice job with Dart, so there is reason for optimism. Ultimately, J.J. McCarthy will have to execute in practice, and if given the opportunity, on Sundays. He will brave this second chance with a new number, and potentially, a new mindset.

No. 18 has arrived in the Meadowlands.