Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s start to the 2026 campaign has been dreadful for the wide receiver many saw as the next great Cardinals receiver. The young player has not lived up to expectations since the Cardinals drafted him 4th overall in 2024.

Harrison recorded 1 catch for 33 yards in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. In a game where the pass game thrived, Harrison was targeted only 3 times in the win.

 After the Week 1 win, they hosted the Seattle Seahawks, where he left the game without a reception. He was targeted once in the second quarter during the loss.

In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, Harrison improved, catching 3 passes for 40 yards on 5 targets. While these aren’t the numbers of a top wideout, it was a better performance than his first two showings.

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Before the Week 3 game, many on social media were focused on Harrison. Video clips were posted showing his Body language, and quick conclusions were formed to trade him or label him as a locker-room cancer.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, NFL executives are curious whether Harrison will be moved this season. Coming off a great collegiate career and the son of a Hall of Fame receiver the hype around Harrison was high before he entered the league, and there are still many who believe he can reach that potential.

After practice, Mike LaFleur, Cardinals head coach, spoke to the media, where he said, “I’m not going to sit here and act like I don’t know the narrative going on. I mean, this is the league, and naturally stuff gets across my desk.”

“I understand who I am, and what I was expected to do when I got drafted here, and all the expectations that were put on me,” Harrison said when asked about the public reaction. “People want certain production, and that’s not happening. Everyone’s going to ask questions to figure out why.” Harrison said.

Jacoby Brissett defended Harrison, saying the noise around the receiver was unjustified and that people often “make something out of nothing.”

“Does Marv want the ball? Yes,” Brissett said. “Do we understand that he wants the ball? Yes. Is it only Week 3? Yes. You know what I mean? At some point, the tide will change. When? We don’t know yet, but hopefully soon.” 

While it wasn’t a jaw-dropping performance, Harrison has picked up the production during their Week 3 36-30 loss against the 49ers. Harrison has not lost confidence in himself and hopes to contribute to this team.

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Arop Kual

Article by Arop Kual

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