The Houston Texans have emerged as the leading contender to acquire wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in an impending trade from the Arizona Cardinals, according to multiple league reports published this weekend.
ESPN reported Saturday that Arizona is in the process of finalizing a swap involving Harrison, who was selected fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Cardinals designated the 24-year-old receiver as inactive for Sunday’s Week 5 contest against the Detroit Lions while team executives work to determine his destination.
Reunion With C.J. Stroud Eyed
Houston has engaged in active discussions with Arizona about a potential deal, reported Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Multiple league executives and an Arizona player believe Harrison is likely destined for Houston, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. If completed, the transaction would reunite Harrison with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former collegiate teammate at Ohio State.
During their 2022 campaign with the Buckeyes, Stroud passed for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns, while Harrison tallied 1,263 yards and 14 scores. Houston is seeking supplemental pass-catching depth to pair alongside top receiver Nico Collins, particularly following a season-ending injury suffered by Jayden Higgins.
Discussions between Arizona and Houston have centered on trade packages featuring a future second-round selection, according to reporting from Sports Illustrated and Roundtable Sports.
Other Franchises Monitor the Market
While Houston has generated substantial momentum, Arizona has not completed an agreement as it reviews other offers across the league. Wilson reported that the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers linger as possible alternative destinations to monitor before Arizona finishes surveying potential bidders.
Several other clubs have bowed out or been eliminated from consideration. The Indianapolis Colts previously held talks with Arizona regarding a proposed return that included a second-round pick and more, but negotiations ceased, Sports Illustrated reported. Pittsburgh Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported Pittsburgh is not involved, while Cleveland.com and PHNX Sports reported the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles are out of contention. Wilson also noted the Kansas City Chiefs are not pursuing a move.
Struggles in Arizona Prompt Split
Harrison posted 885 yards and eight touchdowns in his 2024 rookie campaign before registering 608 yards and four touchdowns across 12 games in 2025. His involvement in Arizona’s offense decreased sharply over the first month of 2026, catching five passes on 12 targets for 85 yards and one score through four appearances.
A final agreement could be made official as soon as Sunday evening or Monday, according to Kaboly. However, the precise compensation and whether another team can surpass Houston’s proposed trade offer remain unresolved as Arizona concludes its talks.
