Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Trade Value Analyzed by NFL Execs Amid Rumors on Cardinals WR's Future

Some people around the NFL reportedly remain unconvinced of Arizona Cardinals wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.'s future as a potential WR1, according to The Athletic's Jonathan Jones .

Jones reported Friday that "multiple sources who have studied [Harrison's] 2026 tape do not see a receiver playing with the energy and effort of a No. 1 wideout."

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One AFC executive told Jones: "Forget where he was drafted, watch him play. He's like a third receiver with upside. He's not fast, not physical and doesn't do anything after the catch."

About whether the Cardinals will consider trading Harrison, another AFC executive told Jones, "When you get injured, stop seeing the ball, have drops and not in the most stable quarterback position to help get that page turned, it can weigh on young guys. Quite honestly it may be where he needs a change of scenery to be the best version of himself. But if you're Arizona, you want to keep as many assets as you can."

Harrison has recorded four catches for 73 yards during the Cardinals' 1-2 start to the 2026 season.

Most of the Cardinals' targets over that time have gone to tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Friday "the perception of Harrison from people around the league is that he isn't a fit in an Arizona offense that prioritizes McBride as its top target, and that has led some teams to think he might be available."

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , people around the NFL see Harrison's trade value as something around "a quality Day 3 pick."

Graziano noted, however, the Cardinals "have given no indication that they are eager or even interested in trading Harrison."

Harrison, the No. 4 pick of the 2024 draft, is signed through the 2027 season with a 2028 club option on his rookie contract .

Should the Cardinals decide to hold onto that deal and hope Harrison can continue developing, it wouldn't be their only recent investment into young offensive talent. The Cardinals used the No. 3 pick of the 2024 draft to add running back Jeremiyah Love.

Brissett is only signed through the 2026 season, so the Cardinals could hope to retool next season around a quarterback acquired either through free agency, the trade market or the 2027 draft.

In that case, the Cardinals could look to get Harrison more involved with their offense down the stretch. Brissett said after finding Harrison for a season-high three receptions in Week 3 he was "trying to find more ways to get him the ball."

The Cardinals also have McBride under contract to go alongside their recent extension for Wilson, limiting what targets might be available for Harrison. What kind of usage the third-year wideout sees going forward, starting Sunday with a Week 4 matchup at the New York Giants, could provide an indication of what the Cardinals are planning for his future.