Welcome to Houston, Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Texans officially announced the trade of the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver on Monday evening, signaling a new era of Houston football in 2026.
As part of the process, the Texans agreed to trade a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to Arizona in exchange for the former No. 4 overall pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection.
"We're excited to add Marvin to our team,"Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. "He's another really great playmaker. He's crushed a lot of college records. Got multiple thousand-yard receiving seasons in college. All-American, always been a top receiver when he's been on the field. He has good rapport with C.J. [Stroud] from their time at Ohio State. We're excited to get
him in, add another great player to our group."
H-Town help us welcome Marvin Harrison Jr. 🤘 pic.twitter.com/3GJOe1R6XM
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 12, 2026
Harrison and 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.
This includes Stroud, who praised the mentality of Harrison after Sunday's 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans.
"He's a dynamic playmaker," Stroud told reporters on Sunday. "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."
After a slow start to the past two seasons, conversations began brewing that Harrison could be traded entering 2026. Chatter became quiet after the season began, with Harrison remaining the second-best option at wide receiver.
In four games, Harrison has totaled five catches on 12 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown. He ranked fifth in targets for the Cardinals' offense, trailing right end Trey McBride, wide receiver Michael Wilson, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.
He was also tied for the sixth-most receptions.
"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," Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said on Sunday. "I know C.J'.s going to love it.
A two-time All-American and considered a generational wideout prospect, Harrison had 1,578 yards and 13 catches in 33 games with the Cardinals. In two years, he's never hit 1,000 yards in a season and has dealt with multiple injuries. Last season, he played in 12 games, in which he caught 41 passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns.
The Texans' passing game ranks sixth in the NFL entering a must-win game for the AFC South contenders to get back in the race. Currently, Houston only has one sufficent weapon at wide receiver in Pro Bowler Nico Collins, though there's potential with young targets like second-year wideut Jaylin Noel.
This season, Collins leads all wide receivers in targets (18) and receptions (14) for 193 yards and three touchdown receptions. Noel is averaging over 24 yards per catch, but he only has eight receptions for 186 yards.
Harrison, a 2024 draft pick, is due $4 million this year and $5.62 million next year and also has a fifth-year option decision coming up this offseason. Should the Texans trade for him, he'd be in Houston through the 2028 season.
Houston will look to keep the winning times rolling on Sunday from London as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. local time on NFL Network.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans offically complete trade for Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
