The narrative would have written itself. The struggling son of an Indianapolis Colts legend seeking redemption with his father's former team — who wouldn't want to see that story played out?
Well, anyone with an interest in the Colts' ability to build a contender might be hesitant. The former Arizona Cardinals top-five draft pick was traded to an AFC South team, but he'll be playing about 1,000 miles away from Lucas Oil Stadium. The Houston Texans announced their trade for the receiver after their Week 5 game.
The Texans sent the Cardinals a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh-round pick, per reporters Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. At that price, it's no wonder the Colts backed out of trade talks for the controversial wideout.
Indianapolis Colts are clear winners of Texans' Marvin Harrison Jr. trade
Harrison Jr. has regressed in each of his three NFL seasons. He put up respectable numbers as a rookie, logging 885 yards and eight touchdowns. Those marks dipped to 608 yards and four touchdowns in his second season. This year, he has just five catches in four games.
The former Ohio State star certainly has the talent to be productive. He has a rare combination of size and body control, and he has shown flashes of elite ball-winning ability. But with effort and inconsistency concerns looming over him, it's surprising that any team was willing to give up a second-round pick.
If Harrison Jr. does bounce back with the Texans, the Colts will have to deal with him for years. Playing opposite Nico Collins, he could help create a dangerous receiver duo. But in all likelihood, this will end up being an overpay for the Texans, limiting their ability to build a balanced roster moving forward. In a tightly contested division, that could give Indianapolis a key edge.
Colts still need help at WR after passing on Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison Jr. clearly wasn't the right answer for the Colts, but they still need to find an answer at receiver. Alec Pierce is still out with his heel injury, leaving Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Laquon Treadwell as Daniel Jones' top targets at receiver. That's simply not enough for a team hoping to earn a spot in the playoffs.
There are other receivers available for trade, potentially at lower costs. The Jacksonville Jaguars won't send Brian Thomas Jr. to a division rival, but a trade for Cleveland Browns wideout Jerry Jeudy could be on the table.
The Colts' passing game has taken a significant step back this year. While Jones is partially at fault, he doesn't have the support that helped him be so successful last season. Adding another talented receiver could provide the necessary boost.
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