The New York Giants have found an unexpected answer at quarterback while their original franchise plan remains sidelined. J.J. McCarthy has taken advantage of his opportunity, helping New York collect important wins against Houston and Philadelphia. His recent performances have now prompted a bigger question about the team’s future, even though Jaxson Dart remains New York’s original first-round investment at quarterback.

Former NFL offensive lineman Taylor Lewan has added to that discussion with a strong endorsement of McCarthy.

Taylor Lewan Makes Bold J.J. McCarthy Declaration as Jaxson Dart Remains Sidelined

ESPN’s “Get Up” shared Lewan’s comments on Instagram ahead of the Giants’ Thursday night matchup against Washington. The former Pro Bowl offensive lineman delivered a direct message about how New York should handle its quarterback situation.

“The Giants need to protect their future of the franchise, J.J. McCarthy,”Lewan said.

McCarthy recently suffered a hip pointer after taking a hard hit during the Giants’ Week 9 win over Philadelphia. However, Lewan’s reference to him as the franchise’s future also suggests that New York should consider keeping him as its starting quarterback beyond Dart’s recovery.

He joined the Giants in a late-September trade with Minnesota, which cost New York a 2027 fifth-round pick. The quarterback initially served as a backup before moving ahead of Jameis Winston and taking over the starting job.

McCarthy’s two starts have produced wins over the Texans and Eagles, including an overtime victory in Houston and a road win that ended New York’s 13-year losing streak in Philadelphia. The Giants still rank 25th on PFN’s NFL Offense Impact%20assigns,red%20zone%20and%20third%20downs.) with a grade of 70.6.

The results have made McCarthy a talking point, but his production has not been overwhelming. Across four appearances, including two starts, he has completed 63.2% of his passes for 622 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He has also added 51 rushing yards on nine carries.

McCarthy was listed as a full participant Tuesday and Wednesday and carries no injury designation for the Washington game.

Dart’s situation, meanwhile, leaves little room for an immediate decision at quarterback. The 2025 first-round pick suffered damage to his meniscus, MCL, and PCL during the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

He underwent meniscus repair surgery on Sept. 25 and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Coach John Harbaugh has not ruled out a possible return during the playoffs.

The Giants have announced McCarthy as their current starter, but Harbaugh framed the switch as a decision about what gives the offense its best chance now rather than making a declaration about the team’s 2027 quarterback hierarchy.

Dart remains their original franchise investment, while McCarthy arrived as an emergency option and has given the team another path at quarterback.

Lewan’s endorsement raises a question that New York may eventually have to answer. If McCarthy continues winning, the Giants could face a difficult decision when Dart becomes healthy.