The Houston Texans haven't made any official announcement, but all signs point to them being the leading contenders to land Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals. After the Indianapolis Colts pulled out of the race, Houston has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the trade sweepstakes.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Stephen Holder and Josh Weinfuss reported that the Colts were "doing their due diligence" on a potential deal for the disgruntled wide receiver. Harrison has racked up 1,578 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns across 33 career games, but his time in Arizona appears to be winding down.
However, on Saturday, Holder revealed that the Colts would not be trading for Harrison due to the Cardinals' steep asking price. ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted that Arizona is seeking "first-round value" in exchange for the former No. 4 overall pick—a price that has proven too rich for Indianapolis.
Despite the hefty price tag, it seems Harrison could still find a new home in the AFC South. According to Schefter, the Texans have been actively involved in trade discussions for the young star. While a team source refused to confirm or deny the rumors, the evidence strongly suggests Houston is in the mix.
With Indianapolis now out of the picture, Houston has become the most likely landing spot for Harrison. If the trade goes through, it would reunite him with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former Ohio State teammate. The duo was electric together during the 2022 season, and Stroud has previously expressed his desire to play alongside Harrison again.
Back in 2024, Stroud told the Texans that he'd "love to play" with Harrison once more. That wish might just come true. The Texans are currently sitting at 0-4, but a Week 5 victory combined with a blockbuster trade could provide a much-needed morale boost in Houston.
The Texans' coaching staff has already made changes, with DeMeco Ryans taking over defensive play-calling amid the rough start. Adding a player of Harrison's caliber would be a major statement of intent, signaling that the franchise is willing to make bold moves to turn things around.
Interestingly, the Cardinals' asking price might not be as prohibitive as initially thought. Some reports suggest that a Day 3 pick could be enough to secure Harrison's services, which would be a bargain for a player with his potential. However, other insiders have indicated that Arizona is holding out for more.
For the Texans, this trade could be a game-changer. Harrison's ability to stretch the field and create separation would give Stroud a dynamic weapon on the outside. Pairing him with the existing offensive talent in Houston could transform the unit into one of the league's most explosive.
While nothing is official yet, the momentum is clearly building toward a Harrison-to-Houston deal. Fans in Texas are already dreaming of the Stroud-to-Harrison connection that once lit up college football. If the trade comes to fruition, it could be the spark the Texans need to salvage their season.
