Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) watches from the sidelines during the team’s practice at State Farm Stadium on July 29, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
GLENDALE – It’s no secret that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has had a rocky start to his NFL career. The 2024 fourth overall pick was seen as a can’t miss prospect that will dominate once he touches an NFL field. However, an okay rookie season and an injury-riddled sophomore season has many experts and former players to give their insight on why Harrison hasn’t met his heft expectations.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter spoke with Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard about Harrison’s development and doesn’t entirely blame the 23-year-old. Carter sees avenues to improve Harrison’s game, but the system is the most important aspect for the young wide receiver’s development.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Cris Carter on what Harrison needs to improve on:
“When he has been on the field, his play has been inconsistent. 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. So those are all things that make you question yourself, make you doubt your ability. The ability is still there.
“Well, 99% of players in the league need a system. Myself included. You need a system that is going to enhance your attributes, enhance the traits you have, minimize your weaknesses and not expose you. A lot of young players go into situations where their traits are not highlighted. And you need other people within the franchise that will support you so you can develop. Player development is a huge part of it.”
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) makes a first-down catch over Tennessee Titans defenders Jalyn Armour-Davis (18) and Xavier Woods (25) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025.
The franchise has had a system problem for years. Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s arrival was suppose to be the solution, but in his third season Arizona is 3-10. The quarterback issues this season hasn’t added in Harrison development, going from known starter Kyler Murray to his backup in Jacoby Brissett has thrown an unnecessary hurdle for Harrison to face.
Regardless of the exterior factors, Carter’s problems with Harrison is likely due to a confidence issue. Crucial drops in games, like Week 3 vs. the San Francisco 49ers, caused Harrison to lose confidence in himself. The following game in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football helped regain that swagger, with six catches for 66 yards and one touchdown.
That game began a seven-game stretch for Harrison where he averaged 4.3 catches per game for 64.6 receiving yards per game, which put to a 17-game average is a 1000-yard season. However, injuries have derailed the second half of the season, with appendicitis surgery and a heel injury likely to have miss four of the last five weeks.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates a touchdown by teammate Emari Demercado (31) to tie the game at 20-20 against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If Harrison doesn’t return next season, Carter strongly believes that Brissett will not be under center for Arizona, meaning he’ll have to build up chemistry with a young quarterback. This could, again, put a setback in Harrison’s development. The franchise has struggled to develop offensive talent over the years, with the lone success story being tight Trey McBride.
Carter still sees the ability in Harrison, and so does the franchise. Regardless of who’s the starting quarterback next season, Harrison has illustrated important flashes in his game to build excitement for his third season.
Cardinals update on WR Marvin Harrison Jr. not looking promising for Week 15 return
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
