Good morning — The Arizona Cardinals can’t quite seem to take a week off of providing frustration for their fans. Tension in the valley has been rising through the early portion of what looks like another unsuccessful season.

That came to a head a bit this past week, after news broke that the team would be trading WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. It might not have been a shock given his lack of production, but it’s another franchise-altering move.

So, now what?

— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX WKLY Editor

Cardinals part with MHJ after rough four weeks

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

You’ve probably already seen the news by now, but here it is: Harrison was traded to the Texans this week, alongside a 2027 seventh-round pick, for Houston’s 2027 second-rounder and sixth-rounder.

For those who thought Harrison a lost cause, the deal probably sounds great. For others, holding out hope for a future breakout, it looks like pennies.

The main concern is the fact that GM Monti Ossenfort has struggled to see returns on his draft picks, no matter how high they may be. The Cardinals have not developed many of their rookies into solid contributing players.

That was on display with Harrison, who never reached 1,000 yards and struggled to get targets. He had only 85 yards and one touchdown on five receptions through four games in 2026.

Perhaps he’ll succeed with his former college QB CJ Stroud in Houston. Perhaps he’ll prove that his flaws outweigh his abilities. The problem is, there are few circumstances in which the Cardinals come out winners here.

And the effects are already being felt. Trey McBride and Michael Wilson, without the threat of Harrison, found themselves bracketed all game against the Detroit Lions in a 45-21 loss. While Harrison might not have been dominant, he was a presence opposing teams had to, at least, monitor.

It will be another challenge for head coach Mike LaFleur to overcome, on top of the fact that Arizona’s offense has been inconsistent already. Coverage will get that much tighter if the Cardinals can’t find a way to get the ball to a third or fourth option outside the two already-productive pass-catchers.

Harrison’s departure hasn’t necessarily been easy for the locker room, either.

“Crushing, for sure,” said Wilson at his locker. “You guys, the media, don't know [Harrison] like I know him. For a guy like that, you just really hope for the person and root for the person. The type of character that he is — the things he's been through the last 18 months. There's so much negative about his name, which is weird since he's such an amazing guy, truly works extremely, extremely hard.”

"There's no one in this building who would ever question his work ethic, his preparation, and how much he loves and cares about the game of football and this locker room. … I’m hoping that he goes to Houston and finds success.”

Personally, I think he will have success, and I think it was a mistake to not at least try and pair Harrison with Carson Beck or a future franchise QB. I don’t have high hopes for this second-rounder, either.

I also think the Cardinals will have their hands full adapting to his loss. I’m not defending Harrison’s lack of production here — truly. But it can be tough to understand what you have until it’s gone.

Now, let’s see what else is going on in Arizona sports this week:

  • The Suns won one and lost one — both against the Spurs — this past week, winning 102-98 on Saturday and losing 123-103 on Wednesday. They are 1-3 so far this preseason.

  • The Sun Devils held on for a weather-delayed 30-12 win over Hawaii at home this week. They face a tough challenge in No. 10 Texas Tech on the road this weekend.

  • The Wildcats took down former head coach Rich Rodriguez and West Virginia in a shootout, 52-31. Arizona is 5-1 and gets Iowa State at home on Saturday — time still TBD.

  • The Diamondbacks have retained hitting coach Joe Mather and named radio play-by-play man Chris Garagiola their new TV voice. Garagiola will replace Steve Berthiaume after Berthiaume’s 14 seasons calling TV games.

Trey McBride Wants to Pull Cardinals Out of Darkness. Arizona Can’t Waste Him

Trey McBride wants to be a part of the bad times and turn the franchise around. The Cardinals can’t waste that winner’s mentality

COME HANG OUT WITH PHNX CARDINALS!

Join Bo, Johnny, and the PHNX Diehards at Gila River’s Santan Mountain for a live Cardinals broadcast and game-day watch party as Arizona takes on Dallas. Enjoy the excitement of being part of the show, and watch the game with the Diehards!

COME HANG OUT WITH PHNX SUNS!

Join the PHNX Suns crew along with other Valley Diehards as we take over Mortgage Matchup Center in partnership with our friends at Chestnut Sports Club. Watch the Suns take on the Portland Trailblazers from lower level seats.

Instant Reaction: Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade Looks Like Mistake by Cardinals

It just seems like a bad idea.

Cardinals Not Making Playcalling Changes Despite Rough Start to 2026

Still???

We’re all tired.

Press on.

— Alex D’Agostino