Marvin Harrison Jr. faced challenges in the 2025 NFL season. The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver struggled with injuries, limiting him to 12 games. As Harrison enters his third NFL season in 2026, fans anticipate a strong return. However, the start has been disappointing.
In the first two games of the 2026 season, Harrison caught one pass despite four targeting attempts. Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw 65 passes in these games, but Harrison, expected to be the franchise’s star, has only one reception. This is concerning for Cardinals fans.
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Harrison’s impact on the field is minimal. Observers notice his demeanor, which has not been encouraging. Attention without performance is problematic for a wide receiver.
The Cardinals, not playoff contenders in the competitive NFC West, can’t use that as an excuse for Harrison’s struggles. The team hasn’t won a playoff game in over a decade, highlighting the need for standout performances from players like Harrison.
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
With 15 games remaining, there is time for Harrison to improve and shine, but current signs aren’t promising. As a rookie in 2024, Harrison led the Cardinals with eight touchdown receptions and was second in targets with 116. This season, he’s on pace for zero touchdowns and only 34 targets.
Few predicted such struggles for Harrison, especially after his successful college career at Ohio State, where he had back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. In 2026, he seems far from the player fans expected him to be in his third NFL season.
The situation calls for reflection and potentially strategic changes to maximize Harrison’s talents on the field.