The New York Giants have found themselves in an unexpected quarterback situation. Sitting at 4-2-1 atop the NFC East heading into their Week 8 bye, the team now faces a decision that few saw coming: what to do with two young quarterbacks who could shape the future of the franchise.

Jaxson Dart, the team’s original starter, is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Giants’ late-September trade for J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings, which cost them a 2027 fifth-round pick, is slowly looking like a shrewd and potentially significant move.

Russell Wilson and Kyle Long Discuss J.J. McCarthy’s Rise

McCarthy wasted little time making an impression in New York. After initially sitting behind veteran backup Jameis Winston, the 23-year-old entered the Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter. He threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the final quarter, nearly leading the Giants to a remarkable comeback.

His first start came in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, and McCarthy delivered another strong performance. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards without a turnover, helping New York secure a 27-21 OT road victory. His

McCarthy’s emergence also caught the attention of former NFL players Russell Wilson and Kyle Long on CBS Sports’ “Set, Hut!” show.

Long discussed the growing quarterback dilemma in New York, recognizing how McCarthy’s impressive start could complicate the Giants’ plans once Dart returns. Wilson also acknowledged the same issue, praising McCarthy’s performance while highlighting the importance of having two young quarterbacks competing for the team’s future.

“All I know is that JJ McCarthy was spinning the rock the other day,” Wilson said. “Coach Cowher even mentioned it while watching the film. He was like, ‘Oh, man, he’s throwing the ball!’

“I think his best throw was when he got pushed back and slid left on a key throw. He threw it on the circus route to (WR) Malik Nabers, which was a great route. Perfect ball, great catch, and that was a key part of the game,” Wilson added.

While McCarthy’s recent performances have given the Giants plenty to consider, Wilson also acknowledged Dart’s potential. The Giants selected Dart 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he remains an important part of the franchise’s long-term plans.

With both quarterbacks just 23 years old, the Giants could face a difficult decision once Dart returns. However, Wilson believes it is too early to draw conclusions based on McCarthy’s limited playing time.

“So, they have two 23-year-olds right now, and you’ve got to make that decision. The other thing is that you can’t make a decision now because it’s only been one week. There’s a lot more football to be played, and I’m excited to see JJ McCarthy’s tenacity and ability to help lead these guys,” Wilson said.

The Giants enter their bye week with plenty to evaluate. Their PFN Impact Ratings stand at 70.3 on offense (#27 in the league) and 76.0 on defense (#16), providing another measure of where the team currently stands.