Texans Acquire Marvin Harrison Jr. From Cardinals in Trade

The Houston Texans have acquired wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals in a trade announced by coach DeMeco Ryans after Houston defeated the Tennessee Titans 26-3. The deal brings Harrison back together with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former Ohio State teammate, as the Texans seek to improve their season after an 0-4 start.

According to sources cited by ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Houston sent Arizona a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Texans also received a seventh-round selection in 2027 along with Harrison.

The move reunites Harrison and Stroud, who played together at Ohio State from 2021 to 2022. Both earned All-American honors in 2022, and Houston hopes their established familiarity will help Harrison fulfill the expectations associated with his selection at No. 4 overall in the 2024 draft.

Stroud praised Harrison's abilities and work ethic while discussing the prospect of playing together again.

"He [is] a dynamic playmaker. Somebody who runs great routes, someone who can catch really any ball, and I'm just super excited to get with him. I loved him in college.

He's probably the hardest worker I've ever been around in my life." Stroud said.

Stroud also confirmed that Houston's front office consulted him about Harrison before completing the transaction. The quarterback provided insight into his former teammate's character, playing style and strengths.

"I had some conversations with some different people. Telling them who he is as a person, as a player, what I liked about him when I played. So, I thought our front office did a great job allowing me to be part of it." Stroud said.

Harrison's production in Arizona had been limited through the first four games of the season. According to ESPN, he recorded five receptions on 12 targets for 85 yards and one touchdown, ranking fifth in targets among Cardinals offensive players. Tight end Trey McBride, wide receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne, and running back Jeremiyah Love had received more targets.

Harrison was inactive for Arizona's game against the Detroit Lions while the trade was being completed. Sources told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss that Harrison had not attended the Cardinals' team meetings on Saturday night.

Houston players welcomed the acquisition following the victory over Tennessee. Defensive end Will Anderson, who recorded three sacks against the Titans, said the addition would strengthen the team's receiving group.

"It's going to be really great to get him into that receiver room." Anderson said.

Anderson also highlighted Harrison's athleticism and versatility, expressing confidence in the potential connection between the new receiver and Stroud.

"Super athletic, dynamic wide receiver, can do a lot. I'm excited to have him here. It's going to be big.

I can't wait to see what he does. I know C.J'.s going to love it." Anderson said.

According to ESPN, Harrison is due to earn $4 million in 2026 and $5.62 million in 2027. He also has a fifth-year contract option approaching this offseason, while the Cardinals had already paid his $22.5 million signing bonus.