The Arizona Cardinals could face a major shakeup at wide receiver if Marvin Harrison Jr. is traded during the 2026 NFL season. With Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Brooks on the roster, Arizona would need to reorganize its receiving corps and determine who becomes its new No. 1 wide receiver.
A potential Harrison trade would significantly change the Cardinals’ offensive depth chart, creating additional opportunities for several receivers while potentially increasing tight end Trey McBride’s importance in the passing game.
Arizona Cardinals Projected WR Depth Chart Without Marvin Harrison Jr.
If the Cardinals trade Harrison without receiving another wide receiver in return, their projected depth chart could look like this:
| Depth Chart | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| WR1 | Michael Wilson | Starting outside receiver |
| WR2 | Kendrick Bourne | Starting veteran receiver |
| WR3 | Jalen Brooks | Third receiver |
| WR4 | Simi Fehoko | Outside receiver depth |
| WR5 | Devin Duvernay | Slot receiver and return specialist |
| WR6 | Reggie Virgil | Developmental receiver |
Note: This is a projected depth chart, not an officially announced lineup. It assumes the Cardinals do not acquire another starting receiver in a Harrison trade.
Michael Wilson Could Become Cardinals’ No. 1 Wide Receiver
Michael Wilson would be the leading candidate to become Arizona’s primary wide receiver if Marvin Harrison Jr. is traded.
Wilson has experience operating as an outside receiver and could receive additional opportunities as the Cardinals look to replace Harrison’s production.
Without Harrison in the lineup, Wilson could see an increase in targets, particularly on intermediate and deep passing routes.
His potential promotion to the WR1 position would make him one of the biggest beneficiaries of a Harrison trade.
Kendrick Bourne Could Become Arizona’s WR2
Veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne could move into a more prominent role in the Cardinals’ passing offense.
Bourne brings NFL experience and versatility, making him a potential starting option alongside Wilson.
Arizona could use Bourne in multiple receiving alignments, including the slot, while relying on his route-running ability in short- and intermediate-yardage situations.
If Harrison departs, Bourne could become a more consistent contributor in the Cardinals’ offense.
Jalen Brooks Could See Increased Playing Time
Jalen Brooks could be another beneficiary of a potential Marvin Harrison Jr. trade.
Brooks would have an opportunity to compete for the third starting receiver position, particularly in formations featuring three wide receivers.
His ability to earn additional snaps would depend on Arizona’s offensive strategy and whether the Cardinals add another receiver through a trade or free agency.
Trey McBride Could Become Cardinals’ Top Receiving Option
Although Trey McBride is a tight end, he could become the most important receiving option in Arizona’s offense following a Harrison trade.
McBride’s ability to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs makes him a valuable target in the passing game.
Without Harrison, the Cardinals could rely more heavily on McBride in several situations:
- Third-down passing plays
- Red-zone opportunities
- Short- and intermediate-yardage routes
- Critical late-game possessions
McBride could lead Arizona in receptions and targets even if Michael Wilson becomes the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.
Would the Cardinals Sign or Trade for Another Wide Receiver?
If Arizona moves Harrison, the organization could explore several options to strengthen its receiving corps.
The Cardinals could acquire a wide receiver as part of the Harrison trade, pursue another receiver before the NFL trade deadline, or promote existing players into larger offensive roles.
Another possibility would be adding an available veteran receiver to provide depth and experience.
However, the team’s next move would likely depend on the compensation received for Harrison and its long-term offensive plans.
How Would a Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade Affect the Cardinals’ Offense?
Trading Harrison would remove a major receiving option from Arizona’s offense.
The Cardinals would likely need to distribute his targets among multiple players rather than relying on a single replacement.
Wilson could become the primary outside receiver, Bourne could take on additional responsibilities, and Brooks could receive more opportunities in three-receiver formations.
Meanwhile, McBride could become an even more important part of the offensive game plan.
Arizona might also adjust its passing concepts to emphasize shorter routes, tight end involvement and a more balanced distribution of targets.
Who Would Replace Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Cardinals?
Michael Wilson is the most likely candidate to replace Marvin Harrison Jr. as Arizona’s No. 1 wide receiver if a trade happens.
Kendrick Bourne could become the team’s second starting receiver, while Jalen Brooks would have an opportunity to earn a larger role.
However, Trey McBride could remain the Cardinals’ most productive overall receiving target.
The final depth chart would depend on whether Arizona receives another wide receiver in the trade or makes additional roster moves.
For now, a potential Harrison departure would create one of the biggest offensive lineup changes for the Cardinals during the 2026 NFL season.