Sources: Cardinals finalizing deal to trade WR Harrison Jr
The Cardinals are finalizing a deal to trade Marvin Harrison Jr., sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Source: ESPN Top · October 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceNEW YORK, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —
Arizona Cardinals Finalize Trade Deal for Marvin Harrison Jr., Sources Confirm
Market Impact
The Arizona Cardinals are set to trade wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in a deal expected to be completed before Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, according to multiple sources speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The move marks a significant shift for the franchise, as Harrison—son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr.—has become the latest high-profile player to be traded amid a busy offseason in the NFL. The Cardinals have informed Harrison that he will be inactive for Sunday’s matchup as the trade is finalized, signaling the end of his tenure in Arizona after just one season.
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The trade comes as Harrison, the Cardinals’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft, has struggled to replicate his collegiate success at Ohio State, where he was a top prospect. His slow start—just one catch in the first two games of the season—has fueled speculation about his future in Arizona. Through four games this season, Harrison has recorded five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, despite being the fifth-most-targeted player on the team.
Tight end Trey McBride, wide receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne, and running back Jeremiyah Love have all received more targets than Harrison, who ranks tied for sixth in receptions.
The urgency of the trade appears tied to Harrison’s performance and the Cardinals’ need for roster flexibility. Sources indicate that the team is seeking first-round draft capital in exchange, though some suitors have offered second-round picks or additional compensation. The Houston Texans have emerged as the frontrunner, with reports suggesting the team is eager to reunite Harrison with his college quarterback, C.J. Stroud, who was drafted by Houston in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts, where Harrison’s father played and holds multiple franchise records, are not involved in trade discussions, according to an ESPN source.
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Harrison’s trade speculation has intensified since he hired agents Todd France and Tory Dandy in late September, a move that signaled his intention to explore a potential move. France and Dandy have a track record of facilitating high-profile trades, including France’s role in the Brian Burns deal to the New York Giants and Dandy’s involvement in the A.J. Brown trade to the New England Patriots.
Their involvement suggests Harrison’s camp is actively seeking the best possible deal, though the Cardinals have reportedly aimed to keep discussions under wraps.
The financial implications of the trade are also notable. Harrison is set to earn $4 million in 2026 and $5.62 million in 2027, with a fifth-year option decision looming in the offseason. His $22.5 million signing bonus has already been paid by Arizona, meaning the Cardinals would retain that amount regardless of the trade.
Acquiring teams, however, may be motivated to secure Harrison’s services for as many games as possible—not only to maximize his on-field impact but also to gather data ahead of his fifth-year option decision.
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The trade follows a pattern of increased activity in the NFL’s offseason market, with three major deals announced in the past two weeks: the Minnesota Vikings sending quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers trading cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Philadelphia Eagles moving center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens.
With the NFL’s trade deadline less than a month away, teams are scrambling to address roster needs before the window closes on November 1.
For Harrison, the move represents a fresh start in a league where mobility between teams is common. His performance in Arizona has been inconsistent, with injuries—including foot issues and appendicitis last season—limiting his impact. In 2025, he played just 12 games, catching 41 passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns, falling short of the 1,000-yard mark.
As a rookie, he recorded 885 yards and eight touchdowns on 62 catches, but his production has yet to match his collegiate dominance.
Despite the trade rumors, Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur has publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Harrison. After Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants, LaFleur stated: “Yeah, my confidence is high in Marv.” However, the team’s decision to trade him suggests internal evaluations may have diverged from public statements.
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The trade’s completion will have ripple effects across the NFL, particularly for the Texans, who are in the early stages of rebuilding their offense around Stroud. A reunion with Harrison could provide immediate depth at receiver, though questions remain about whether he can sustain his college-level production at the next level.
For the Cardinals, the move clears cap space and allows the team to explore alternatives at wide receiver, though it may also signal a broader reassessment of the offense’s direction.
Harrison’s gesture during his lone touchdown this season—a “shush” motion with his hand—has drawn attention, though he dismissed any intended message when asked about it. “No message,” he said, reflecting a low-key approach amid the trade speculation. His decision to hire agents in September, however, indicated a strategic shift as he navigated his future in the league.
With the trade expected to be finalized before Sunday’s game, Harrison’s time in Arizona will conclude abruptly, marking the end of a brief but eventful chapter in his NFL career. The move underscores the league’s dynamic nature, where even high-drafted players can become trade commodities within a single season. For now, the focus remains on securing a deal before the deadline, with the Texans positioned as the most likely destination.
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