The Patriots have already spent the first three weeks of the season trying to steady themselves, and now one of their biggest rivals is being linked to a move that would only make life harder in the AFC East.
Buffalo, sitting at 3-0, is rolling behind Josh Allen and Joe Brady. Through three games, the Bills have averaged more than 33 points per game, with Allen responsible for 11 touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough firepower, a recent trade idea has floated a former top-five pick into the mix: Marvin Harrison Jr.
In a Bleacher Report piece, Moe Moton suggested that Harrison could be dealt during the season, with Buffalo listed as one of five possible destinations. Moton specifically pointed out that the Bills could activate Harrison’s fifth-year option at the end of the season, which would give Harrison two years after 2026 to pair with Allen.
That kind of addition would be a problem for New England. Buffalo already has plenty of options around Allen, with DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer, and Keon Coleman on the outside, while Dalton Kincaid has been a weapon at tight end. The Patriots had trouble handling a Moore-less Bills offense last season, giving up 27.5 points per game in the two meetings, and Harrison would only raise the level of difficulty for Zak Kuhr and company.
For now, though, a move still feels far off. Harrison’s production has been stuck in a rough stretch, and some Cardinals fans have taken to calling him a “sacrificial X.”
Over his last five games, dating back to 2025, he has totaled just 87 yards on 13 targets. He went without a catch in two of those games, and he hasn’t had a 100-yard outing since October 2024, his rookie year.
The numbers have been ugly, but the situation isn’t all on Harrison. Quarterback play hasn’t helped, even though Trey McBride and Michael Wilson have taken advantage of their chances on the same roster. A new quarterback in Allen could obviously change the picture, but the Cardinals would likely want at least a second-round pick to even consider moving him.
Buffalo already spent a second-round pick on DJ Moore in the spring, so it’s fair to wonder whether the Bills would want to pay that kind of price again. They may also prefer a more established receiver if they do go shopping.
So while a deal can’t be ruled out, it still looks like a long shot that the Bills and Cardinals would line up on a price both sides can live with. If Harrison keeps struggling, Buffalo probably won’t be eager to part with meaningful draft capital for a player who could end up as only the team’s fourth receiving option. If he does break out, Matt LaFleur will no doubt have the 24-year-old in his long-term plans.
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