GLENDALE – Marvin Harrison Jr. was supposed to be the easy part for the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, less than three years after selecting him No. 4 overall, the conversation has shifted toward whether the franchise should even consider trading him. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that executives around the NFL are wondering whether Arizona could explore trading Harrison before the Nov. 10 deadline. That does not mean the Cardinals are shopping him, but the fact that rival executives are discussing the possibility is significant, and the production explains why.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Execs around the league are wondering whether the Arizona Cardinals could explore trading WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ahead of the NFL trade deadline, per @DanGrazianoESPN.
Harrison Jr. was the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but has only caught one pass this season. pic.twitter.com/0K1H1seZd4
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 23, 2026
Harrison Jr. has only one catch for 33 yards through two games this season. His first two NFL seasons produced 103 receptions, 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has put up solid numbers, but well below the superstar trajectory many expected from the Ohio State product.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) reacts after failing to catch a pass against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That has fueled a fascinating question around the league for NFL fans: Is Harrison Jr. failing Arizona, or is Arizona failing to maximize his talents? Some NFL fans have already made their position clear, arguing that Harrison Jr.’s talent would be better showcased elsewhere. That is fan reaction, not proof, but it exposes the bigger issue facing the Cardinals. Arizona cannot evaluate him solely against the player he was supposed to become. It has to evaluate the player he is right now and determine whether its offensive structure can turn his physical ability into consistent production.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NFL fans react to Marvin Harrison Jr. trade rumors:
I feel like on a elite team he would be good
— Gavin Butcher (@GButch03) September 23, 2026
trade em to indianapolis!!!!! colts will treat em right
— Naptown Buffs (@far_east_Leroy) September 23, 2026
I can’t really remember a good wr for the cardinals since Larry fits let that sink in
— JayDa🥇 (@boofpaxkgeeski) September 23, 2026
31 teams should want him
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) September 23, 2026
He needs a better fit, Arizona was never going to be a fit for him I said that when he was drafted.
— SportsGuy2620 (@SportsGuy2620) September 23, 2026
Do the entire NFL fan base a favor and trade him somewhere exciting
— ⭐️ (@paceisspace) September 23, 2026
@Colts Do it. Then trade anything away to draft Arch.
Manning & Harrison 2.0
— Leo C. (@LeoC24) September 23, 2026
Miami let’s get him..Can you imagine him and Jeremiah next to each other
— VINCE VAN (@VinceJVan) September 23, 2026
I have no doubt Mahomes can unlock him
— 🚀 (@gritnosit) September 23, 2026
Texans, Titans or 49ers are the only teams I see doing this
— Chris Lonestar (@CLonestar48) September 23, 2026
That makes this more than a trade rumor. It is a referendum on Arizona’s ability to develop elite offensive talent. The Cardinals still control Harrison Jr.’s future. But if other teams believe they can unlock the former Ohio State star, Arizona has to at least ask itself what the future holds for itself and Harrison Jr., and if parting ways is the best decision.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
