The Arizona Cardinals are in one of the most intriguing positions heading into the 2026 season. They have some talent, but they are in arguably the toughest division in the NFL. It is going to be difficult to expect the team to take that next step, but if they want to, one star is going to need to be a massive X-factor for the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at who one NFL reporter believes will fill that role for the team heading into the season.
Marvin Harrison Jr is the Arizona Cardinals’ biggest X-factor
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In an article discussing each NFC team’s biggest X-factor, Ben Arthur of Fox Sports wrote that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr is that for the Arizona Cardinals. Below is what he wrote about Harrison:
“Entering his third year, Harrison has yet to live up to the expectations that cam with being the fourth overall pick in 2024. If he puts it all together in 2026, it could open up new coach Mike LaFleur’s offense, giving Arizona another top-end pass-catcher – both tight end Trey McBride and receiver Michael Wilson had more than 1,000 yards receiving last season – and lightening the box for rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 4 overall pick.”
Harrison has not been able to put up the big numbers that he has been expecting, ranking 60th or lower in all the major statistical categories. The Arizona Cardinals wideout finished the 2025 season with 41 receptions on 73 targets for 608 yards (14.8 yards per catch) with four receiving touchdowns. With quarterback Jacoby Brissett expected to be the starting quarterback, this is a chance for the Arizona Cardinals to get some valuable information before they have to decide on his fifth-year option.
This is going to be an intriguing season for the Arizona Cardinals and Marvin Harrison Jr. The team added Kendrick Bourne and Devin Duvernay while drafting Reggie Virgil in the fifth round, so they have wide receiver depth to help get attention off Harrison Jr. That is without mentioning running back Jeremiyah Love and tight end Trey McBride. With a brand new coach, Mike LaFleur, being an offensive-minded coach from the Los Angeles Rams, this can open up Harrison to be in more of a Puka Nacua role. It will be interesting to see how he does heading into the 2026 season.