While the Houston Texans are celebrating trading for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Monti Ossenfort is facing the heat back in Phoenix.
As the GM of the Cardinals, Ossenfort, who negotiated the deal with GM Nick Caserio, is taking backlash from the fan base as Arizona continues to be one of the worst-led programs in the NFL. On Monday, the trade became official, a move that Ossenfort stood behind after less than stellar results.
"Decisions like this are never easy," Ossenfort said. "Ultimately, we have to do what is best for our football team and that will always be the driving factor. We are extremely grateful to Marvin for what he has contributed to our organization and wish him the very best as he moves forward in his career."
“Decisions like this are never easy,” said Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort. “Ultimately, we have to do what is best for our football team and that will always be the driving factor. We are extremely grateful to Marvin for what he has contributed to our organization and wish him the… https://t.co/XucQVn5M1n
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 12, 2026
Harrison, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, finished his Cardinals career with 33 games played, 108 receptions, 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns. In return for the former top draft pick, Houston agreed to trade a 2027 second-round pick and 2027 sixth-round pick.
The Texans also recieved a 2027 seventh-round pick as part of the package.
"We're excited to get a really good player to our team. You want good players, it has to cost whatever it is," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "The guy is a really good player, so we're excited to get him here."
Harrison and Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Stroud played together (2021-22) at Ohio State and were All-Americans in 2022. With Stroud playing like a passer built to win now, Houston believes the reunion can turn the once No. 4 overall pick into the player many thought would become an icon from Columbus.
In Columbus, the duo was inseparable. Harrison caught 88 passes from Stroud for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdown receptions en route to the College Football Playoff. He became an X-factor and the go-to weapon for the future Texans star, en route to becoming an All-American in 2022 and 2023.
This is the BIGGEST reason GM Monti Ossenfort will eventually be fired by the Arizona Cardinals pic.twitter.com/3GzgOFqHab
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) October 12, 2026
“Obviously, outside of football, that’s a person that meant a lot to me and I had a really good relationship with,” Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett said shortly after the Cardinals' 45-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. “You never want to see somebody leave, but just obviously wish him the best on whatever he has coming up next for him. But yeah, it’s tough. We all have a really good relationship with him in the locker room, so obviously losing him is big.”
The Texans hit the road to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London this Sunday at Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort comments on Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Texans
