Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t been the wide receiver the Cardinals thought they were getting when they drafted him fourth overall in 2024. That’s something everyone can agree.
The Cardinals, though, are pushing back against the narrative surrounding Harrison’s slow start to 2026.
A viral video, viewed more than 18 million times, started the discussion about Harrison’s effort level. Other videos have since questioned whether Harrison is giving 100 percent.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and coach Mike LaFleur defended Harrison on Wednesday.
“When you talk about his work ethic and you talk about him showing up and being engaged in the meetings and then going out on the field and giving 110 percent and being the Marv we all know he is, that hasn’t changed,” Brissett said, via Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports.
“Nobody’s lost confidence in Marv. The hard part as a young player is the noise from the outside telling you what they expect from you and the things of that nature. Does Marv want the ball? Yes. Do we understand that he wants the ball? Yes. Is it only Week 2? Yes. . . . At some point, the tide will change. When? We don’t know yet. Hopefully soon.”
Harrison has seen four targets, with one catch for 33 yards this season.
LaFleur was asked on Monday about Harrison jogging through routes.
“I don’t see it that way. I think his running style is different from some other people’s,” LaFleur said. “If that’s people’s narrative on him, that’s fine, but I know his teammates don’t feel that way.”
LaFleur doubled down Wednesday.
“In between those walls, Marv is Marv,” he said. “He’s attacking it every single day like he always does, just like his teammates do. I appreciate the way he goes about his business.”
As for whether Harrison’s run-blocking needs to improve, LaFleur said everyone’s “efforts need to improve.”
Dan Graziano of ESPN talked to league executives who wondered whether the Cardinals will shop Harrison before the trade deadline. The Texans are among the teams that could be in the market for help at the position.