GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals invested the No. 4 overall pick in Marvin Harrison Jr. with the expectation that the Ohio State product could become a cornerstone of the franchise.
Now, less than three seasons into his NFL career, questions are beginning to emerge about Harrison’s place in Arizona long term.
Teams around the league are continuing to monitor Marvin Harrison Jr.’s situation with the Cardinals, with one team forecasting his market value as “possibly a quality Day 3 pick”, per @JFowlerESPN.
Harrison Jr., the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, only has four catches for 73… pic.twitter.com/IoUEnY5XsA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 30, 2026
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, teams around the league are monitoring the wide receiver’s standing with the Cardinals, with one team viewing his potential trade-market value as “possibly a quality Day 3 pick.” That assessment is a dramatic change from the value attached to Harrison’s name just two years ago, back in 2024.
The Cardinals stayed at No. 4 to take Harrison, viewing him as an immediate weapon for the offense and a player capable of developing into one of the NFL’s premier receivers. His current production, however, has fueled growing speculation.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks back at quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Sept. 20, 2026. Credit: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Through Arizona’s first three games this season, he has four receptions for 73 yards. His Week 3 performance against San Francisco — three catches for 40 yards — represented his most productive game of the season, but came on just five targets.
Those numbers also fall well short of the production Harrison showed during his rookie season. Through his first three games in 2024, he had 22 targets, 10 receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns. He went on to set or tie several Arizona rookie receiving records over the course of the season.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
That lack of production compared to his first two seasons is what has teams around the NFL wondering what could be next for Harrison. Arizona used one of its most valuable draft selections on a player it hoped would become a foundational piece of the offense.
If his role and production continue to decline, the Cardinals could eventually face difficult questions about one of the biggest investments of the current era.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) on the field during warm ups prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
It’s still too early to make an assessment based on just three games, but the fact that rival teams are reportedly monitoring his situation — and that at least one team views his potential trade value as a Day 3 pick — showcases how quickly perceptions can change in the NFL.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
