J.J. McCarthy Is Rebuilding His Career, and the Giants Like What They See

The Giants nearly took J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 draft, and it wasn't a close call they dismissed. His physical tools had them seriously debating it at No. 6. Chris Mara, the team's senior VP of player personnel (and John Mara's brother), says what's changed since then is just as impressive as the arm.

From a Promising College Leader to a Quarterback Seeking a Career Revival

Mara was upfront with the New York Post: the skill set graded out very high, but maturity was the open question. They ultimately went with receiver Malik Nabers, and McCarthy went 10th to Minnesota. Mara still remembers what stood out about him in college, a player who knew how to win and how to lead.

McCarthy's start to his career was brutal. A knee injury wiped out his entire rookie year, and last season didn't go much better: 57.6% completions, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. Kyler Murray beat him out in training camp, and an ankle injury in the preseason finale dropped him to third string. When the Giants sent a 2027 fifth-round pick to Minnesota on Sept. 28, they were buying a quarterback whose stock had cratered.

McCarthy's Resurgence Gives the Giants Renewed Hope Ahead of Crucial Eagles Clash

So far, the move looks smart. McCarthy led New York to an overtime upset in Houston two weeks ago, and Mara can't stop talking about what he sees at practice, from a stronger arm than he expected to real athleticism on the move. 

He also sees a different person off the field now, one who's grown up, gotten married and become a father. He told the Post it's a completely different-looking guy from the one they scouted. McCarthy gets his second start for the Giants on Sunday against the Eagles in Philadelphia, a division game that will say a lot about how far he's come.