NFL Evaluators Frown on Marvin Harrison Jr Trade

Jordan Sigler

The Arizona Cardinals might have wanted better than a Day 2 pick for Marvin Harrison Jr., but the market price in the league this fall wasn't close to a first-round pick for the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft.

The Texans sent a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

The trade will reunite Harrison with his former Ohio State teammate, quarterback C.J. Stroud. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, league evaluators suggested the Texans made a significant overpay to land Harrison. Teams around the league thought Harrison was worth a fourth-round pick.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals.

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"The belief among league evaluators we consulted is that Houston didn't have much true, known competition for Marvin Harrison Jr. because of what Texans GM Nick Caserio was willing to give up to get him," Fowler wrote.

"The inclusion of a 2027 second-round pick was a nonstarter for some prospective suitors... And multiple teams consulted believe that Harrison, despite his billing as the 2024 No. 4 overall pick, was probably worth a fourth-round pick when considering his declining play and his lack of competition on routes at times this season."

Through the first four games of the season, Harrison recorded five catches for 85 yards and one touchdown. He had a strong rookie season, catching 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. His numbers declined in 2025, when he had 41 receptions for 608 yards and four scores.

The Texans needed to make a move to get better after beating the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to earn their first win of the season. Houston was a favorite to win the AFC South before the season began, but started the campaign 0-4.

With the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts coming up on their schedule after playing the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 6, the Texans have a chance to go on a run in the middle of the season.

Even if he's not leading the Texans in targets, Harrison's presence on the field will open up the field for Nico Collins. At the very worst, Harrison is a dangerous decoy.

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