C.J. Stroud is ready to be reunited with his former Ohio State teammate for the rest of the 2026 NFL season and beyond.
Following a 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that the Texans had traded Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Along with Harrison, the Texans will receive a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick in next year's draft.
Harrison, a two-time All-American for the Buckeyes, became an icon in college football under Stroud's prowess at quarterback. Now, the two look to pick up where they left off in Columbus back in 2023, only three years later in Houston.
“I think he brings us a dynamic playmaker. Somebody who runs great routes, can catch really any ball,” Stroud told reporters. “I'm just super excited to get with him. I loved him in college."
CJ Stroud’s comments on the Texans trading for MHJ (he notes he was consulted on the decision): pic.twitter.com/7FBhjiNDAT
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) October 11, 2026
According to reports, the deal had been in place for several weeks. Houston initially began conversations about a trade for Harrison after Jayden Higgins' season-ending injury, but nothing transpired.
Reportedly, Texans had reached out to the Cardinals previously with an offer but were initially rejected. Arizona was content keeping Harrison in Phoenix, but if he were to be moved, it would cost at least a second-round pick.
Eventually, following a 0-4 start, Houston obliged, finalizing the deal ahead of Sunday's victory in Nashville. Harrison is expected to reunite with Stroud this week ahead of the team's road trip to London for a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Trade: the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to trade WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and 2027 7th-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 2nd-round pick and 2027 6th-round pick, per @rapsheet and me. pic.twitter.com/ziepfRIPr4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2026
“Probably the hardest worker I’ve ever been around in my life. And who he is off the field, he’s a great dude, quiet guy but definitely you feel his presence," Stroud said. "I’m excited to get him in here and get him learning and get him around the other guys. It’s perfect for him, I think fresh starts are good, so I’m excited to get him with us.”
Adding Harrison to a lineup now gives Houston options in the passing game. Nico Collins had been the top target, but everyone else somewhat fizzled. Though Harrison, who still has two years left on his contract past 2026, has only five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown in four games this season, he's been a strong No. 2 option in the past.
In 2024, he had 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season in 21 games, he had 41 catches for 608 yards and four touchdowns.
“Whatever is next for him, that's flying over here to Houston and getting into the playbook, let's do that good,” Stroud said. “And if he's himself, he's going to be one of the best receivers. He got drafted where he got drafted and I think he's going to be able to show that.”
The Texans look to keep the winning times rolling next week after a 1-4 start. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans QB C.J. Stroud on Marvin Harrison Jr. trade: 'He's a dynamic playmaker.'