Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Slow Start in Arizona: Why the Talent’s Still There - and What Needs to Change
GLENDALE - When Marvin Harrison Jr. was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectations weren’t just high - they were sky-high. We’re talking about a wideout who was billed as one of the cleanest prospects in years, a route technician with NFL bloodlines and big-play ability. But two seasons in, the results haven’t quite matched the hype.
Harrison’s rookie year was solid, not spectacular. And his sophomore campaign?
It’s been riddled with injuries and inconsistency. That’s led to a lot of questions about his development - and just as importantly, about the environment he’s been asked to develop in.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to be great at the position, recently spoke about Harrison’s early struggles. And while Carter acknowledged that the young receiver has things to clean up, he made it clear: this isn’t all on No. 18.
“The Ability Is Still There”
Carter didn’t sugarcoat Harrison’s on-field issues. Drops.
Inconsistent route-running. Difficulty creating separation.
These are real concerns - and they’ve shown up on tape. But Carter also pointed out that the quarterback situation in Arizona hasn’t exactly helped.
“When he has been on the field, his play has been inconsistent,” Carter said. “He struggled with the drops, struggled with some of his route-running, struggled with separation. And the quarterback position there has been a struggle since he’s been in the league.”
That’s not an excuse - it’s context. Harrison’s had to navigate a revolving door under center, from Kyler Murray to Jacoby Brissett, and that lack of continuity can mess with a young receiver’s rhythm, timing, and confidence.
Carter went deeper, highlighting how critical it is for young players - especially receivers - to be in a system that plays to their strengths.
“99% of players in the league need a system,” Carter said. “You need a system that is going to enhance your attributes, enhance the traits you have, minimize your weaknesses and not expose you.”
That’s something Arizona hasn’t consistently provided. The Cardinals’ offense has lacked identity, and that’s not just a Harrison problem - it’s a franchise-wide issue.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
Despite the setbacks, there have been flashes. After a tough drop-filled performance in Week 3 against the 49ers, Harrison bounced back under the Thursday night lights in Week 4, hauling in six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
That game kicked off a seven-week stretch where he looked more like the guy Arizona thought they were drafting - averaging 4.3 catches and 64.6 yards per game. Project that over a full season, and you're looking at a 1,000-yard receiver.
But just as Harrison started to find his groove, injuries hit again. An appendectomy and a lingering heel issue have kept him out of four of the last five games, stalling the momentum he’d built in the middle of the year.
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead, the big question is: what kind of situation will Harrison return to in Year 3? Carter doesn’t expect Jacoby Brissett to be the starting quarterback next season, which likely means another new face under center - and another adjustment period for Harrison.
That’s not ideal. Chemistry between quarterback and receiver takes time, reps, and trust. And if Arizona is breaking in a young signal-caller, Harrison may once again be asked to do a lot of heavy lifting in an unstable environment.
The Cardinals’ track record of developing offensive talent hasn’t exactly inspired confidence, with tight end Trey McBride standing as one of the few recent success stories. But Harrison’s talent isn’t in question. He’s shown enough - even in limited windows - to remind everyone why he was considered a can’t-miss prospect.
Still Worth Believing In
Here’s the bottom line: Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations just yet. But he hasn’t flamed out either.
He’s dealt with injuries, instability at quarterback, and a system that hasn’t always played to his strengths. Through all of that, he’s still shown the kind of flashes that make you believe he can be special.
Cris Carter sees it. The Cardinals see it. And if Arizona can finally give him the right system and a stable quarterback situation, there’s every reason to believe Harrison can take that next step in Year 3.
The ability is still there. Now it’s about putting him in a position to let it shine.