Texans Trade Marvin Harrison Jr. to Reunite Him With C.J. Stroud
The Cardinals have traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans for two picks in the 2027 draft, while Houston also receives a seventh-round…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The cardinals have traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans for two 2027 draft picks, in a move that reunites him with quarterback C.J. Stroud and gives Houston a new option as it tries to turn around its season. The Texans also receive a seventh-round pick in the deal, sources told ESPN.
Houston sent Arizona a second-rounder and a sixth-rounder in the 2027 draft for Harrison and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced the completed trade after his team beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3 on Sunday.
The deal connects Harrison with Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State. They played together in 2021-22 and were All-Americans in 2022. Houston hopes that reunion can help Harrison deliver on the expectations that followed his selection with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft.
Houston sees potential in reunion
Stroud said the Texans asked him about Harrison before completing the trade. He described the receiver as a strong route runner and dependable target, and said he was eager to play with him again.
“He [is] a dynamic playmaker,” Stroud said. “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.”
Stroud said he shared his perspective on Harrison as both a player and a person with people involved in the decision. He praised the Houston front office for letting him contribute to the process.
The Texans’ win over Tennessee was their first after an 0-4 start. Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and recorded two total touchdowns, one rushing and one passing. Houston began the season as a Super Bowl contender, according to ESPN.
Harrison did not play in Arizona’s game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday while the trade was being completed. ESPN reported he had not attended team meetings Saturday night. Arizona lost to Detroit 45-21.
Arizona coach says move served the club
First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said the decision reflected what he believed was best for the team. He also took responsibility for Harrison not reaching the level expected of him.
“I just thought it was in the best interest of the club,” LaFleur said.
Harrison had five catches on 12 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown this season. LaFleur said he puts responsibility on himself when a player does not perform to the level he believes the player can reach.
“Any guy that does not play to the level that I feel like they're capable of, I'm always going to put that on me in coaching in general,” LaFleur said.
The news also landed hard with some Arizona players. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. said the trade came as a surprise. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett said Harrison and LaFleur had told the team about the move on Saturday, before news of the deal leaked.
Brissett said players understood that trades are part of the NFL, but losing a teammate with whom they had built a close relationship was difficult. He said he and others in the locker room would miss Harrison and hoped things went well for him.
Houston players welcomed the move. Defensive end Will Anderson, who recorded three sacks against Tennessee, said Harrison would be a valuable addition to the receiver room.
“It's going to be really great to get him into that receiver room,” Anderson said. “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”
Source: espn.com
