TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals are working to finalize a trade involving wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and told the former top-five draft selection that he will sit out Sunday’s contest against the Detroit Lions, according to multiple reports Saturday.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter and NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported that Arizona notified Harrison on Saturday morning of his inactive status while front-office officials negotiate the remaining terms of a deal. A person familiar with the decision also confirmed to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the 24-year-old receiver will not dress for the game.
Struggles in the desert
Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, entered the league with immense expectations when Arizona drafted him fourth overall out of Ohio State in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the 6-foot-3 target has experienced difficulty finding consistent footing at the professional level.
Through the first four games of the 2026 campaign, Harrison has recorded only five receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. The Cardinals have slipped to a 1-3 record under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur following an opening-week victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
While LaFleur and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett have publicly supported Harrison’s work ethic, the receiver has seen his role diminish significantly, AP reported. Arizona’s passing attack has instead leaned heavily on tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson, who posted a 1,000-yard receiving season last year.
Potential landing spots
Although the Cardinals have not publicly confirmed a trade partner, league chatter has centered on the Houston Texans, according to reports from NBC Sports and ESPN. A move to Houston would pair Harrison back up with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former collegiate teammate with the Buckeyes.
The Cardinals have sought a trade package built around a second-round draft choice, NBC Sports reported. SB Nation noted reports that the asking price has hovered around a second-round pick plus an additional asset.
While speculation briefly linked the Philadelphia native to the Philadelphia Eagles, local reporting cited by SB Nation indicated the Eagles are not pursuing Harrison. Philadelphia already has young depth at wideout and expects top target DeVonta Smith to return soon from a hamstring issue.
If a transaction is completed, Harrison would follow former Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, chosen 10th overall in 2024, as early first-round selections from that draft class to be traded away quickly by their original clubs, NBC Sports noted.
Whether Arizona settles on an agreement before kickoff Sunday or continues discussions into early next week remains to be seen, as the identity of the acquiring franchise and the exact compensation have not yet been formally revealed.
