It lastly occurred. Fewer than three years after the Arizona Cardinals used the fourth choose of the NFL Draft to make Marvin Harrison Jr. their franchise wideout, the workforce shipped him out of Phoenix.
It was a transfer many had anticipated following a sluggish begin to his third season as a professional. Harrison was a modest disappointment in his rookie season, fell off in an injury-riddled 2025 and has largely been a non-factor in 2026. He had solely 5 catches for 85 yards within the first 4 video games of the 12 months, then was deactivated for Week 5 as commerce rumors swirled.
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Now, he is a Houston Texan, filling a right away want for depth behind high receiver Nico Collins.
Harrison will get the possibility to reunite with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud, who has been taking part in a few of his finest soccer as a professional in 2026 however was left with an 0-4 file to point out for it. Who obtained the higher finish of this deal?
Let’s break it down.
The Arizona Cardinals ship WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh spherical choose to the Houston Texans for a 2027 second-round choose and a 2027 sixth-round choose
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates a landing by vast receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) throughout the first half of the NCAA soccer recreation in opposition to the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 12, 2022.
Let’s begin with Arizona. Not have they got to worry over the fifth 12 months choice on Harrison’s rookie contract (they doubtless weren’t as involved about it after his non-existent begin to 2026 anyway). Michael Wilson emerged because the workforce’s high wideout, and Trey McBride’s presence offers whomever is slinging passes a gradual 1-2 punch atop the depth chart. Harrison could not create area as a 3rd choice, and whether or not that is a byproduct of effort or just an incapability to create area the best way he did in school, it was clear his title worth was a lot excessive than his on-field worth.
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Getting a second spherical choose for a participant with 5 catches in 4 video games is a haul. It is even higher when you think about how a lot younger expertise Arizona wants. With Houston simply notching its first win at this time, that is going to be a high 50 choose that would even sneak into the highest 40 below the best circumstances. The Cardinals solely had their very own picks for the upcoming draft however added one that ought to deliver a right away contributor to the roster.
Whereas shedding receiving depth for a workforce more likely to break Carson Beck into the lineup this fall hurts, this was completely the best choice. Arizona turned a non-contributor absorbing a roster spot right into a high 50 draft choice. That is nice worth.
Cardinals grade: A
The Texans needed to get a bit determined after an 0-4 begin. C.J. Stroud is having a robust 12 months, nevertheless it hasn’t mattered along with his protection backsliding. Extra importantly, Nico Collins has been the one constant goal for the franchise while on the sector and he is already missed a pair of video games this season. Houston added Kayshon Boutte within the preseason, however he is didn’t make an influence in something greater than a complementary function. With Jayden Higgins out for the 12 months with a torn ACL, one thing needed to change if Houston was going to have any hope of a playoff berth.
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Thus, an costly deal for a 24-year-old wideout as soon as thought-about a can’t-miss prospect. Stroud helped Harrison Jr. get there once they have been each Buckeyes, quarterbacking him to an All-American 2022 season earlier than turning professional (Harrison was an 2023 All-American as effectively, this time with Kyle McCord at QB). The hope is familiarity sparks a return to the potential seen, albeit in flashes, again within the wideout’s rookie marketing campaign.
That is a daring wager! Harrison Jr. hasn’t had a 100-yard recreation in almost two years regardless of taking part in for an offense that is thrown the hell out of the ball whereas trailing typically. He is missed time as a result of damage, suffered from focus drops (10 in 202 profession targets) and has seen his common separation goal dip to a career-low 1.6 yards this fall — a quantity that may rank 138th finest amongst certified receivers if he’d had sufficient passes thrown his manner.
There are a number of methods this might go mistaken, particularly for an 0-4 workforce whose each loss makes the choose it simply traded away extra beneficial. Harrison Jr. has expertise, however has been unable to use it as a professional and gotten worse as he is developed. Betting a second spherical choose on a change of surroundings is a minimum of a bit determined, however that is the place Houston is correct now.
Texans grade: C
This text initially appeared on For The Win: Marvin Harrison Jr. commerce grades: Texans lay large wager on Cardinals’ bust
