The New England Patriots obviously made a massive trade for A.J. Brown this offseason. However, with his injury sidelining him for multiple weeks, could they go get another weapon?
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, there are multiple teams curious about Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and for good reason. Harrison has struggled to get involved in the Cardinals' offense this season (one reception for 33 yards through two games), and he had his share of struggles last season as well.
Coming out of college, Harrison was considered one of the greatest receiver prospects of all time. He hasn’t lived up to it yet, but a change of scenery could do him wonders, and the Patriots could get him at a serious bargain. If New England doesn’t have to give up an insane amount of assets, they should at least explore bringing in MHJ.
Is it worth acquiring Marvin Harrison Jr. right after trading for A.J. Brown?
My short answer to this question is yes.
Obviously, after trading a premium asset for Brown, some people might be hesitant to trade for another weapon. But if they can get Harrison for a bargain, I believe the tools he has can be rejuvenated under a head coach like Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel has a way of getting the best out of his players, and a weapon of MHJ’s caliber could be incredible in a new system and with a fresh start. With Brown out for quite a while, the Patriots need help in their passing attack, and what better way to approach that than getting a potential superstar for a bargain. MHJ is only 24 years old. He hasn’t even hit his prime yet, and with this Patriots coaching staff, he could completely turn his career around.
Not to mention, you would have a very young weapon developing with Drake Maye for the foreseeable future. And just imagine this offense when Brown is fully healthy again. A receiving core of A.J. Brown, Marvin Harrison Jr., Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas is one that will have opposing defensive coordinators losing sleep.
Overall, I believe it would be well worth it to acquire MHJ even though the Patriots just traded for A.J. Brown.
How would Marvin Harrison Jr. fit into this Patriots offense?
If the Patriots dropped MHJ into this offense, he would be the starting X receiver immediately since Brown is out for multiple weeks.
Harrison could be the big play threat that draws coverage and opens up the field for other receivers. He could also be a menace in the red zone, a big, strong, athletic target that Maye can toss it up to when he wants to take a shot at the end zone.
I think MHJ would dominate in a Josh McDaniels offense. McDaniels is a mastermind and knows how to use his weapons. With a weapon of MHJ’s caliber, the playbook would instantly be opened up. Not to mention the Patriots wouldn’t have to rush Brown back from his injury.
Now, when Brown is back and fully healthy, he will be back as the outside “X” receiver. This could allow McDaniels to move MHJ all over the formation and use him as the ultimate weapon. Whether that is as a huge slot, or a “Z” receiver that uses his route running to create plays, McDaniels could get very creative with a receiver tandem for Brown and MHJ.
It is incredibly exciting to think about, and if the Patriots can get MHJ for a bargain, they should be on the phone IMMEDIATELY. Go get a weapon that can develop and grow alongside Maye and can help your offense now.
Add us as a preferred source on Google