Cris Carter is a big fan of theHouston Texans'acquisition ofMarvin Harrison Jr.
The Texans acquired theformer No. 4 overall pick in exchange for 2027 second-round and sixth-round draft picks during Week 5, with the move being announced during Houston's win over the Tennessee Titans.
While some felt the Texans gave up way too much for a receiver that has underwhelmed over his first three seasons in the NFL, Carter defended the move and drew parallels to his own career.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer spent the first three seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, but it wasn't until he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings that his career flourished.
Carter would end up emerging as an eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and three-time All-Pro
selection who finished his career ranked second in all-time receptions and touchdown catches.
"Well, he's not injured; he still has a good reputation around the NFL, and there were a lot of people in the NFL who go to a place and it didn't work out," Carter said. "My example: I played three years in Philadelphia, just like he played three years. I think I scored around 20 touchdowns. I think I had 100 catches when I went to Minnesota. So at this time, his career and my career, they were very, very similar — just not developing. Went to a new place, and that's where the magic happened."
Over his first three years in Arizona, Harrison Jr. produced just 108 catches for 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns in 33 games.
In his first game with the Texans, Harrison Jr. was immediately involved in the offense, catching three passes for 34 yards in a 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Carter himself is an Ohio State Buckeyes alum and believes that the reunion of Harrison Jr. and Stroud -- also a Buckeyes alum -- will work magic in Houston. The wide receiver great is a close friend of Harrison Jr. and has been texting him since the trade.
"He's looking forward to a new address," said Carter of Harrison Jr. "Him and C.J. Stroud, they can help rebuild some of the magic that they created in Columbus, and if you look at both of their careers right now, it's pretty important that both of them are able to get back on the field and show some type of success, because the organizations are going to have to make long-term commitments to these players in the not-so-distant future."
When asked if Houston is a "good fit" for him, Carter didn't hesitate -- he said it's the "best fit" for him.
"Absolutely, I think it's the best fit for him," Carter said of Harrison Jr's fit in Houston.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Cris Carter defends Texans' trade for Marvin Harrison Jr.
