JJ McCarthy’s Minnesota Vikings tenure may have unraveled. However, his arrival with the New York Giants could give the former first-round pick a much-needed second chance. At least one NFL quarterback evaluator believes McCarthy can rebuild his career in New York. A familiar coaching connection and reduced expectations could help him regain his footing.

Speaking to FOX Sports, the evaluator pointed to head coach John Harbaugh’s connection to his brother, Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy at Michigan, as a potential advantage.

“A fresh start with people that chose him is a good thing,” the evaluator said. “The Harbaugh history helps, too. Matt Nagy, I would think, knows what he’s doing, too.”

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McCarthy also will not immediately carry the burden of rescuing the Giants’ franchise. With Jaxson Dart sidelined by knee surgery, veteran Jameis Winston will handle the starting job. That leaves McCarthy room to develop without the pressure of being New York’s unquestioned answer at quarterback. The evaluator compared the situation to quarterbacks such as Mac Jones, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. They found opportunities to reset their careers after difficult initial stops.

Selected 10th overall by Minnesota in 2024, McCarthy missed his first season after meniscus surgery before making 10 starts in 2025. He threw 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He also showed flashes of potential but struggled to establish consistency. Minnesota subsequently traded him to New York for a 2027 fifth-round pick. McCarthy’s path back to a starting role remains uncertain. Still, the Giants offer him an opportunity to reset without carrying the entire franchise. If he can sharpen his decision-making and improve his consistency, the change of scenery could keep his NFL future alive.