The Houston Texans’ acquisition of Marvin Harrison Jr. was not a response to Sunday’s results. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Houston had been discussing a deal with Arizona for weeks, although other teams still had an opportunity to enter the picture over the weekend.

The #Texans acquisition of Marvin Harrison Jr. had been in the works for weeks, but there was a window of opportunity for other NFL teams to get involved over the weekend.

I explained it all here, with the full timeline of events. https://t.co/KWecTKAYPy

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 12, 2026

That opening created intrigue around a trade that reunited Harrison with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud. Schultz reported that at least three other teams made serious inquiries, but the Texans submitted the offer Arizona preferred.

The Cardinals were not accepting the first proposal. Schultz reported Saturday that Arizona remained open to competing offers and hoped to secure a first-round pick. Other interested clubs valued Harrison differently, with at least one viewing him as worth a Day 2 selection.

Houston’s negotiations also involved the timing of its draft compensation. NBC Sports reported that the Texans initially wanted to send a second-round pick in 2028, while Arizona wanted that selection in 2027. Houston eventually agreed to the earlier year.

The Cardinals’ official announcement clarified the final terms: Arizona receives Houston’s 2027 second-round and seventh-round picks, while the Texans receive Harrison and a 2027 sixth-rounder. That differs from the late-round selections described in reports. The agreement remained subject to Harrison passing a physical.

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Harrison was inactive against Detroit on Sunday as the process unfolded. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the acquisition after Houston defeated Tennessee 26-3 for its first victory of the season.

For Houston, the appeal extends beyond a name. Harrison already has experience playing with Stroud, offering a connection the Texans hope can translate into renewed production.

Schultz’s reporting reveals the key distinction: Houston had a head start, not an exclusive path. Arizona kept the market open, tested competing interest and ultimately accepted the Texans’ proposal after weeks of discussions and a weekend of uncertainty.