C.J. Stroud Praises Marvin Harrison Jr., Says 'Special' WR Will Be 'Great' for Texans After Trade

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been impressed with Marvin Harrison Jr. after the team recently acquired the wide receiver in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

"I've always thought he was special," Stroud said Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. "His work ethic, it's the same thing now"

He also detailed how they work together on the field.

"Runs great routes, very quarterback friendly receiver," Stroud explained, per Wilson. "I'm a pocket quarterback who likes to throw it to him on time. That's when he's at his best."

Stroud and Harrison are already familiar with playing alongside each other, previously spending time together at Ohio State from 2021-22.

Stroud also envisioned Harrison as a strong fit in a receiving corps that includes Nico Collins, Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel.

"He'll fit in fine," Stroud said regarding Harrison, per Wilson. "He'll be great for us."

Houston added Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick from Arizona in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick on Sunday.

Expectations were high for Harrison after the Cardinals selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

While he started off slow as a rookie, he still finished his inaugural season with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns.

Harrison took a step back the following year, hauling in 41 receptions for 608 yards and four scores. It's worth noting that he missed five games due to injuries.

Still, Harrison wasn't able to establish himself as a threat in Arizona's passing attack to begin this season. In four appearances, he caught just five passes for 85 yards and one touchdown.

The 24-year-old will look to get his career back on track following the change of scenery.

Houston has dealt with several injuries to its wide receivers in 2026, as Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL in training camp while Tank Dell has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from a knee injury.

The Texans own a mere 1-4 record, although they're looking to turn their season around and clinch a fourth consecutive playoff berth. Houston started 0-3 in 2025, but still finished at 12-5 and advanced to the postseason.

Stroud has been efficient to open his 2026 campaign despite Houston's overall struggles, completing 64.3 percent of his throws for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns without getting picked off.