When the Patriots acquired A.J. Brown earlier this summer, it looked like they finally had the receiving corps fans have dreamt about for years. Not only did they finally land the game-changing WR1 that had eluded them for so long, but they also added a solid No. 2 by signing Romeo Doubs, who came off an impressive campaign with the Packers.
The roster had plenty of playmakers with the potential to make a big impact on the offense this year, but it took a small hit when the team decided to trade Kayshon Boutte. But knowing they had Brown helped keep optimism intact at the start of the season.
So, when the veteran suffered an ankle injury against the Seahawks in the season opener, it was a brutal blow to an offense that was already showing signs of growing pains, and it certainly didn't help that Doubs had an unforgettable game in the worst way imaginable.
It prompted many to propose trade ideas to boost the receiver room, and that has been reinforced by the fact that Brown could be sidelined for up to six games. The possibility that a player like Marvin Harrison Jr. could become available also makes things more interesting, and it might not be a bad idea for the Patriots to seriously consider him.
The Patriots could look to make another trade with A.J. Brown sidelined
The 24-year-old had a lot of hype going into the 2024 NFL Draft, which is exactly why the Cardinals couldn't pass on using the fourth-overall pick on him to help their underwhelming offense.
The problem is that since joining the league, he hasn't lived up to what many believed he could be in the league, whether that's due to a poor transition from college to the pros or the revolving door of coaches and quarterbacks, it's hard to say.
But it has him on the trade block ahead of this year's deadline, and the Patriots could be among the teams interested in taking on a young, once-promising weapon.
Because he's in the third year of his rookie contract, he won't be expensive to trade for, and given that he hasn't lived up to his first-round status, he likely won't be too costly to acquire. At this point, the Cardinals would almost not trade him, especially after striking gold with some of their latest offensive additions in tight end Trey McBride and extending wide receiver Michael Wilson this offseason.
On top of that, they added running back Jeremiyah Love from this year's draft, so their offensive roster isn't really lacking anything, even if moving Harrison would create a hole in the receiving corps.
He hasn't been the biggest contributor over the last few years, and after recording just one catch for 33 yards to start the season, many are starting to look at his body of work and believe he will be on the move before the deadline, especially if his struggles this year continue.
That's where the Patriots might want to make the call, as he's a big-bodied player who can use his size to his advantage, and if they can bring out his full potential, Harrison could become someone Drake Maye can grow with for years to come, maybe even take over for Mack Hollins if they choose not to re-sign him this offseason.
Marvin Harrison Jr. could be an offensive weapon in 2026 and beyond
Since joining the Cardinals in 2024, Harrison has recorded 104 receptions for 1,526 yards and 12 touchdowns. His rookie season was his best yet, with 62 catches for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns, but everything has gone downhill since.
It's hard to say what has caused his decline, but it seems only fair to suggest it's likely due to the ongoing chaos surrounding the Cardinals franchise in recent years.
They have gone through multiple head coaches and struggling quarterbacks, none of whom looked like the future at the position, and that can take a toll on an offense and a player like Harrison's output. But he's also struggled to make a big impact on his own, so there are certainly concerns that his abilities aren't limited only by circumstances beyond his control.
A change of scenery would do him good, and that might be a factor the Patriots strongly consider.
Although adding Brown gives Maye a proven receiver to work with, concerns remain about his previous knee injuries and whether his age will limit how long he will be able to suit up in New England. That's why a player like Harrison becomes more intriguing.
He's young and has a lot of potential, as he was a first-round pick for a reason. But because of instability with the Cardinals, he hasn't had a proper chance to thrive, which could change with a legitimate quarterback to work with and a proven head coach to give him a chance.
On top of that, Josh McDaniels is considered one of the league's best offensive coordinators, so he could get something going for Harrison quickly.
At the very least, he should be on the Patriots' short list ahead of the trade deadline, even if Brown returns sooner rather than later. He could add something to the offense that they don't currently have, and for years to come, so that is enough reason to, at the very least, dive into what he could be for the team.
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