Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr. trade benefits Rams in multiple ways

The Los Angeles Rams (2-3) are only a game up in the standings on the Arizona Cardinals (1-4), who have seemingly waived the white flag on their season after agreeing to trade underwhelming wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans.

Of course, the Cardinals are not exactly a pass-proficient offense. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has thrown for 1,110 yards. His favorite targets are tight end Trey McBride and receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne. Harrison had been ineffective, catching just five of 13 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Still, the trade helps out the struggling Rams in multiple ways.

Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr. trade benefits Rams in multiple ways

Rams won't face Harrison in Week 6

While he didn't do much for the Cardinals this year, he put up huge games against the Horns in the past. In fact, his career-best outings have come at LA's expense. In the unlikely chance that you may have forgotten, let's review:

• 2024 Week 2 - 4-of-8 for 130 yards | 2 touchdowns
• 2024 Week 16 - 6-of-10 for 96 yards | 0 tochdowns

He was inactive both meetings in 2025. But as you can see, a receiver who averages 113 yards and a touchdown against the Rams will not be missed at all by Los Angeles.

Cardinals may be tanking for 2027 draft

While it's taboo to even suggest that any NFL team is tanking, the Cardinals are incentivized to do exactly that. By handing the reins Brissett, an NFL journeyman, they are almost certainly eyeing the 2027 draft for a franchise quarterback.

And what better way to ensure selecting one than losing in 2026? Of course, nobody can guarantee the quality of quarterback prospects until the draft arrives. The Cardinals already have an elite rookie running back. The offense boasts an elite tight end in McBride. They merely need an elite quarterback to build around next season.

But that makes 2026 success less desirable, including in games against the Rams.

More pressure on McBride

While he was only targeted 13 times, Harrison had to be covered. Without him on the football field, defenses can divert defensive backs to cover McBride. So far, McBride has hauled in 42 of 56 targets for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

The Rams have a solid pass defense. McBride may not have an easy time, particularly now that LA needn't cover Harrison. Although they struggled with Bourne last year, the Horns should be able to handle him as well.

Harrison was the guy who might have tipped the scales.

Let's accept the fact that Los Angeles is not the hoped-for powerhouse. While starting 2-3 is not an insurmountable hole, each of those losses has revealed significant challenges that have yet to be fixed.

Until the Rams win consistently, any advantage is welcome. Not facing Harrison qualifies for that category.

As always, thanks for reading.

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