Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Pending Exit from the Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals is nearing its conclusion after commencing merely three seasons ago as a first-round draft pick, boasting a Hall of Fame lineage and high expectations. The team has conveyed to Harrison that it is finalizing a trade deal, resulting in his inactive status for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. This information was initially reported by ESPN and has been verified by OutKick.

Harrison has not been informed of his potential new team, possibly because the Cardinals are open to the news leaking, allowing other teams the opportunity to enhance their trade offers for him. Despite uncertainty, Harrison’s trade seems imminent.

The wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the fourth player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, ahead of several starting quarterbacks and more productive athletes like Brock Bowers. Over the past year, Harrison’s favor has declined due to decreasing production, questioning of his effort and body language, and growing interest from other teams.

Under new coach Mike LaFleur, there has been support for Harrison’s effort. LaFleur remarked, “I don’t see it that way. I think his running style is different than some other people’s,” pointing to the constraints of an offense with limited weekly plays and limited opportunities for Harrison due to defensive coverages. In addition, Arizona’s disappointing quarterback play has contributed to the situation.

Previously, great receivers in the Cardinals lineup, such as Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, successfully contended with similar challenges and remained valued by the team. Fitzgerald consistently excelled in his catching abilities, a trait that Harrison has struggled with due to drops, raising questions about his consistency and effort.

Persistent rumors about a Harrison trade have emerged, particularly since he is eligible for a contract extension after this season. The Cardinals might be uncertain about granting Harrison a substantial contract, especially as Michael Wilson has become a more productive receiver, while Harrison currently ranks fifth in team targets.

On October 9, General Manager Monti Ossenfort declared Harrison “is a big part of what we’re doing,” indicating an interest in remedying his status over trading him. However, a trade seems increasingly likely.

Harrison Jr.’s rookie season showcased both talent and inconsistency, with 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. The anticipated improvement in Year 2 did not materialize, nor has it during the current season.

Numerous teams, including the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots, have expressed interest in Harrison. The San Francisco 49ers have considered it despite playing in the same division, though this remains unlikely.

The Cardinals have been seeking a package that includes a second-round pick in exchange for Harrison. This scenario highlights the difficulties faced by struggling teams like the Cardinals, who seem prepared to trade a 2024 first-round pick for a potential second-round selection in years to come, gaining little from their initial investment.

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Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.