The Houston Texans find themselves three games behind the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into today's Week 6 matchup. To salvage their chances at a fourth straight playoff appearance, the Texans pulled off a major trade last week for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The deal was shrouded in mystery as reports before last week's game indicated the Arizona Cardinals would make the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft inactive as they finalized a trade. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans broke the news himself in his postgame news conference: "You guys wanna know, huh? Yes, we traded for Marvin Harrison. See ya."
Complicating the question of whether Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison of the Peyton Manning era Indianapolis Colts, would jump right into Houston's lineup was the fact that his first game would come at Wembley Stadium in London, where the 4-1 division-leading Jaguars await.
Watch Jaguars vs. Texans game live on Fubo (free trial)
Harrison was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and finished fourth in Heisman voting in 2023. He finished his three-year college career with 155 catches for 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns, the best of a loaded receiver room that included Carnell Tate, Emeka Egbuka, Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave. But he struggled to make an impact with the Cardinals, though a reunion with college quarterback C.J. Stroud might boost his chances at his new home.
Is Marvin Harrison Jr playing today?
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear Wednesday, Oct. 14. “Marvin will play,” he told reporters. He is expected to start opposite Nico Collins.
Marvin Harrison Jr trade details
Houston sent a second-round and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to Arizona in exchange for Harrison and 2027 sixth-round pick.
Harrison is due $1.075 million this season on his rookie contract signed when the Cardinals made him the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Texans will assume the remainder of that money plus the $1.19 million he's owed in 2027, which includes a cap hit of $5.6 million, according to Spotrac. Harrison's deal comes with a club option for 2028.
How Marvin Harrison Jr fits with Texans
In theory, the trade carries potential to elevate the Houston offense. Nico Collins has been a certified No. 1 receiver for years, but the Texans have been searching for another outside option to let tight end Dalton Schultz and their host of capable slot receivers work over the middle. With a questionable offensive line that's struggled for years to offer much room for the run game, the Texans need a dynamic pass attack, and adding a former top-five draft pick who stood out at receiver factory Ohio State would seem to fit the bill.
But Harrison has been a non-factor for most of his first three seasons in the NFL. Plagued by criticism that he's appeared disinterested on the field, Harrison has seen his role in Arizona's offense dwindle bit by bit, with Trey McBride and Michael Wilson taking over as primary targets for Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett.
Pro Football Focus grades put him as tied for the No. 165 receiver in the league this season with San Francisco's Jacob Cowing and New Orleans's Bryce Lance. He tied for 81st in 2025 with Seattle's Rashid Shaheed after ranking 33rd in his rookie season, signifying that he's getting worse. Houston hopes a change in scenery turns things around for the once-promising prospect.
Marvin Harrison Jr stats
- 2024 (17 games): 62 catches on 116 targets for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns
- 2025 (12 games): 41 catches on 73 targets for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns
- 2026 (4 games): 5 catches on 13 targets for 85 yards and 1 touchdown
- Career (33 games): 108 catches on 202 targets for 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns
How to watch Jaguars vs Texans
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
- Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET
- TV channel: NFL Network | Fox Channel 30 (in Jacksonville)
- Livestream: Fubo (free trial)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Is Marvin Harrison Jr playing today vs Jaguars? Update on Texans WR
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.