After weeks of speculation, the Arizona Cardinals have finally traded Marvin Harrison Jr.
The deal became official Monday, with Arizona sending Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Just like that, the former lottery pick gets a fresh start in Houston, catching passes from his former Ohio State quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Arizona, meanwhile, can put the messy saga behind it and move forward with Michael Wilson as its WR1.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the trade Monday and raved about his new wideout.
"We’re excited to add Marvin to our team," Ryans said. "He’s another really great playmaker. He’s crushed a lot of college records. Got multiple thousand-yard receiving seasons in college. All-American, always been a top receiver when he’s been on the field. He has good rapport with C.J. [Stroud] from their time at Ohio State. We’re excited to get him in, add another great player to our group."
When asked whether he’s worried about Harrison fitting into a new system right away, Ryans made it clear he's not concerned.
"The thing that I’ve heard from a lot of people speaking about Marvin is he’s one of the hardest workers," Ryans said. "That’s the common theme that I’ve heard from multiple people, how hard of a worker he is. I’m not concerned about him picking up the offense and what he can be able to run for us, the things that he’ll be able to do for us offensively. I’m not concerned about it because the kid is a hard worker. He has a great attitude. He’s fired up to be here. When you approach it that way, as he will, he’ll fit right in."
More news: Panthers HC Dave Canales Spots Major NFL Problem During Bye Week
Harrison’s last two years at Ohio State were electric. He put up over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in both seasons, leading the Big Ten in touchdown catches each year and earning unanimous All-American honors.
His breakout sophomore season in 2022 came with Stroud throwing him the ball. It was also one of Stroud’s best as a Buckeye, as he completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns with Harrison as his go-to option. Both players have evolved since, but that built-in connection should help Harrison adjust quickly.
This will also be the first time since his freshman year that Harrison won’t be relied on as his team’s No. 1 receiver. Houston still has two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins and traded for Kayshon Boutte before the season. Tank Dell should return soon, and Jaylin Noel is still very much a part of the offense.
More news: Broncos Get Blunt Reality Check on Bo Nix After Win Over Chargers
...
More news: Michael Irvin Delivers Harsh Verdict on Cowboys’ Season
In Arizona, there was always pressure on Harrison because he was the No. 4 overall pick and was drafted to be the focal point of the offense. He doesn’t have that pressure in Houston. He can slot in next to Collins and give Stroud a proven red zone threat and a trusted pass catcher on the outside.
Houston next faces the Jaguars in London on Sunday, which would be a very quick turnaround for Harrison to make his Texans debut. But he could see the field the following week back in Houston when they host the Giants.