Giants GM Leaves Quarterback Plans Unclear, Discusses Deadline Moves

WHO:

Heavy NFL - New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his first start of the season and was described as a former first-round pick.

Big Blue View - Giants general manager Joe Schoen discussed McCarthy, the NFL trade deadline, head coach John Harbaugh and the roster.

Big Blue View - Schoen said the Giants targeted McCarthy after learning Jaxson Dart would miss the season. Schoen said the team had closely evaluated McCarthy during the 2024 draft and knew his place on Minnesota’s depth chart.

Big Blue View - Schoen called having Dart and McCarthy, both 23-year-old former first-round picks, “a good position to be in.” He described the Giants’ quarterback room, including Dart, as “probably one of the stronger ones in the league.”

Big Blue View - Schoen said backup quarterback Jameis Winston’s leadership benefited the team and young quarterbacks. He said Winston went 2-1-1 while filling in for Dart.

giants.com - Harbaugh said McCarthy had been “wounded,” “broken” and “battered,” and that “Failure is not final.”

giants.com - Running backs Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. contributed against Houston; Tracy was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. The Giants added undrafted rookie running back Gregory Desrosiers from the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. Schoen also cited practice-squad running back Phil Mafah.

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards in the Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over Houston.

Big Blue View - The Giants were 4-2-1 and leading the NFC East. Schoen said the team would “canvas the league” for roster upgrades, but moves must make sense short- and long-term.

Big Blue View - The Giants lacked fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft and were projected to receive a compensatory fourth-round pick. Schoen said the team could regain draft capital through trades, moving back in the draft or the compensatory formula.

Big Blue View - Schoen said injuries to Dart and Brian Burns “really won’t impact what we do” at the trade deadline.

giants.com - The Giants had won with three different quarterbacks in their first seven games, a first for the franchise since starts began being tracked in 1950. McCarthy had won five consecutive starts, including games with Minnesota.

giants.com - The Giants’ defense limited Houston to 237 yards and three conversions on 12 third-down attempts while missing five starters.

giants.com - Tracy’s injury was not expected to end his season; he would miss at least four games. The earliest possible return was Week 13 against San Francisco.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - The Giants defeated Houston in overtime.

giants.com - The win over Houston took place on the road.

Big Blue View - Schoen said Indianapolis had traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks; he named Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as a possible player of interest.

WHEN:

Big Blue View - The trade deadline is Nov. 10.

giants.com - The Giants’ upcoming divisional games were at Philadelphia and at home against Washington on Thursday night, within a five-day span.

giants.com - The Giants Foundation 5K and Kids Run was advertised for Sunday, November 8th, at MetLife Stadium.

WHY:

Big Blue View - Schoen said trade decisions would depend on player availability, asking price, draft picks, contract status, roster depth and short- and long-term value.

giants.com - Harbaugh said the Giants’ first-place standing gave the team an opportunity, but it would need to build on the result.

HOW:

Big Blue View - Schoen said he would review the roster and trade candidates with Harbaugh, considering draft and financial resources and possible contract extensions.

giants.com - Harbaugh said the coaching staff would prepare for two games during the bye week.

J.J. McCarthy threw for 252 yards and helped the Giants beat Houston 27 to 21 in overtime, as New York became the first team in franchise history to win its first seven games with three different starting quarterbacks. General manager Joe Schoen said the Giants would explore roster upgrades before the trade deadline, weighing the asking price and short- and long-term value, while praising the quarterback group that includes McCarthy, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will miss at least four games with a hamstring injury, while the Giants’ defense held Houston to 237 yards despite missing five starters.