Marvin Harrison Jr. Says He's 'Paying No Mind' to Cardinals Trade Rumors

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. addressed growing speculation that he could be traded before the NFL's midseason deadline, saying the rumors have not changed his focus on the field.

"Truthfully, I pay it no mind. I'm only focused on Detroit, helping the Cardinals win football games at the moment," Harrison told reporters, according to ESPN, referring to Arizona's upcoming game against the Lions.

Why the rumors started

Chatter around Harrison intensified after he hired agents Todd France and Tory Dandy on September 23, his first time being represented by agents in the NFL, according to ESPN and Pro Football Rumors. The move coincided with reports that several teams were examining Arizona's receiver situation ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

Harrison has struggled to produce through four games this season. He has 5 catches for 85 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 targets, ranking fifth on the Cardinals' roster in targets, behind tight end Trey McBride and receivers Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne and Jeremiyah Love, per ESPN. Arizona lost to the New York Giants 36-24, according to ESPN.

Cardinals front office response

General manager Monti Ossenfort said the team is not shopping Harrison and continues to view him as part of its future. "Marv is a big part of what we're doing," Ossenfort said, according to Arizona Sports, adding that he maintains regular dialogue with players who become subjects of trade speculation.

ESPN reported that sources close to the situation say the Cardinals are not actively shopping Harrison, even as other franchises explore the possibility of acquiring him.

Colts linked as a potential trade partner

The Indianapolis Colts are doing due diligence on Harrison and would consider trading for him, ESPN reported, according to Arizona Sports. Indianapolis has a need at wide receiver after starter Alec Pierce was sidelined by a heel injury; the team recently signed veteran Darius Slayton.

Pro Football Rumors reported that the Colts had previously thinned their receiver room by trading away Adonai Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., and that a third-round pick could form the centerpiece of any package for Harrison, though opinions vary on his market value given his slow start. The outlet also noted that uncertain job security for general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen could affect ownership's willingness to approve a significant trade.

Arizona Sports noted a family tie to Indianapolis: Harrison's father, Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., spent his entire 13-year career with the Colts and won a Super Bowl with the franchise in 2006.

Key facts at a glance

What happens next

No trade has been announced. Harrison remains on Arizona's roster as the Cardinals prepare to face Detroit, and the Colts' interest has so far been described by reporters as exploratory rather than an active negotiation. Any deal would need to be completed by the November 10 deadline.