Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade to Texans Explained by Cardinals HC, NFL Rumors Weren't 'Distraction'

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. fourth overall in 2024, hoping the receiver could be the team's offensive weapon as they continued their rebuild.

On Sunday, they traded him to the Houston Texans.

Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur discussed the trade after Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, saying it was "in the best interest of the club." He added that the timing of the trade wasn't a factor in the loss to the Lions.

"I don't think it was a distraction at all," he told reporters. "It's not why we didn't play well today."

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Harrison had a promising rookie year with the Cardinals, recording 885 yards and eight touchdowns, but he didn't show much improvement in Year 2, recording 608 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games.

Through the first four games this year, Harrison was barely a part of the offense. He had just five receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Given his small role on offense, it's fair to wonder whether Harrison was hoping to be traded.

"I'm not gonna answer for Marv," LaFleur said.

LaFleur, the former offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, said before the season that he envisioned Harrison in a Davante Adams-like role in Arizona. On Sunday, he didn't offer an explanation as to why Harrison didn't plan out with the Cardinals.

"I'm not gonna totally get into that right now. I really like Marvin Harrison. He's a good person. I wish him well," LaFleur said. "We did what we thought was in the best interest of the Cardinals. Any guy that does not play to the level that I feel like they're capable of, I'm always gonna put that on me and coaching in general."

Changing teams might be exactly what Harrison needs to turn into the receiver the Cardinals thought he could be when they drafted him. He should play a big role in Houston and will get to team up with his former college quarterback, C.J. Stroud.

For Arizona, it's clear there are a few years of rebuilding ahead, and getting some picks in return for Harrison will help speed up the process.