J.J. McCarthy, a 10th overall pick in 2024, has been traded to the New York Giants for a fifth-round pick.
What in the hell happened?
Over the summer, Go Long chatted with several people in the know to find out.
ICYMI, here’s one paragraph from that story:
Be sure to read in full for more.
There are many layers to McCarthy’s demise in Minnesota.
Maybe there’s some hope for “Nine.” I also chatted with Matt Hasselbeck, a quarterback who remembers being in McCarthy’s cleats as a quarterback himself. The 18-year vet completely turned his career around at a similar juncture and offers sage advice.
All intel is inside Part I of our two-parter on Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings.
(You’ll also get a strong sense for why Marvin Harrison Jr. has been such a bust.)
Subscribers can read in full.
The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated
Our 2026 NFL Season Preview Features continue with a comprehensive, two-part series on Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings. Part I is below.
Umm missing his entire rookie season.. pretty obvious. Then he’s put in a tough situation trying to replace a guy who just went 15-2 and he’s essentially a rookie.
A large percentage of NFL fans have no clue how difficult the QB position is. I believe JJ will be fine. He just needs coaching and experience. You would think guys like Sam Darnold and Mac Jones would teach organizations and fans to have some patience, but nope.
As a UM fan I am thrilled JJ is out of the division and wish him nothing but the best.
What are the Giants thinking here? Schoen wanted McCarthy but the sixth pick was too rich to take him there. Now, they piss away a fifth rounder in next years draft that is loaded with talent. It’s the first year where kids who went back for the money will be out of eligibility. There is seriously a whole first round of first round talent in this draft. Fifth rounders can be good players. This washed first round head case is going to do what for the Giants? Plus his “nine” persona is done too Likely is 9 and he ain’t givin it to some scrub fifth rounder no matter how much he cries about it. I HATE THIS MOVE! I thought Harbaugh being here was supposed to make moves like this not happen anymore. F**K!