GLENDALE – The biggest requirement this offseason for the Arizona Cardinals is an improved connection between wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and quarterback Kyler Murray. In 2024, the pair had an underwhelming season, as Harrison recording 62 catches for 885 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Compared to his fellow rookie wide receivers, Harrison’s numbers didn’t compare. Next season is a fresh start for the duo, with Murray already noticing the 22-year-old becoming more “comfortable” this offseason.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) alongside quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals Murray on what he sees from Harrison:
“I’m not in his head, we’re not in his head,” Murray said. “Everybody watching the game from the TV or on the couch, they don’t know what he’s thinking. So only he understood how fast the game was moving, and each week, obviously, I hoped it slowed down for him. But now he’s at the point where he’s definitely more comfortable, and I can see it out there on the field, and I think that’ll only allow him to play faster, be the guy that we all know he can be.”
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and tight end Trey McBride (85) with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In his first real NFL offseason, Harrison packed on some serious muscles, that Murray even thought was AI. However, the 6’3 wide receiver is determined to leave his disappointing rookie season in the rearview mirror, with the team having serious playoff hopes heading into next year.
Since being drafted by Arizona in 2018, Murray has failed to win a playoff game. In his lone playoff game in 2021, Murray and the Cardinals got smoked by the Los Angeles Rams 34-11 and haven’t been back since. Four years later, the franchise has its best shot by spending massive money on filling the defense with Pro Bowlers.
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025.
The 2025 Cardinals defense will be the best in Murray’s career in the Valley. The pressure is entirely Murray and how he uses his offensive weapon. Tight end Trey McBride turned in a Pro Bowl season last year, recording over 1,000+ receiving yards. Harrison will need to have similar or better production next season if the Cardinals want to make that playoff push, which Murray is confident in.
Cardinals owner private texts about Kyler Murray’s contract leaked
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
