Former Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has signed his rookie NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the highest-selected player from the 2024 NFL Draft to finalize his deal. Harrison made it official on Thursday, inking his first professional contract.
Historic Selection and Contract Details
Harrison, selected No. 4 overall in April’s NFL Draft, is the highest-selected Scarlet and Gray receiver ever, surpassing Terry Glenn, who was picked No. 7 overall by the Patriots in the 1996 NFL Draft. This achievement follows in the footsteps of recent Ohio State first-round picks such as Garrett Wilson (New York Jets), Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks), all of whom were top-20 picks.
Harrison’s rookie contract is expected to be worth $35.3 million guaranteed, with a $22.5 million signing bonus. Notably, Harrison took an unorthodox pre-NFL Draft approach by not signing the NFLPA’s joint licensing agreement, which prevented him from being used in promotional materials or having his jersey sold by the team or league. This changes now that he has signed with Arizona.
Stellar College Career
The Big Ten’s 2023 Offensive Player of the Year and Wide Receiver of the Year, Harrison had an impressive three-year collegiate career. In 2023, he tied for second nationally with 14 touchdown receptions and ranked in the top 10 in yards (1,210) and yards per game (100.9). His eight 100-yard games and a streak of eight consecutive games with a touchdown reception set school records.
In Ohio State’s career record books, Harrison is sixth all-time in receiving yards (2,613), sixth in receptions (155), third in touchdown catches (31), and first in 100-yard games (15). He is the program’s first unanimous All-American at wide receiver and the first player to achieve multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
High School and Recruitment
Coming out of St. Joseph’s Prep School in Philadelphia, Harrison was a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports ranking. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., he ranked as the country’s No. 21 receiver and No. 160 overall prospect.
Harrison’s Commitment to Work
“It’s my first job,” Harrison told the Cardinals’ website after signing his contract. “Ever since I got here, I’ve been telling people I’m going to work — it’s not practice anymore.”
With his deal done, Harrison is ready to begin his professional career with the Arizona Cardinals, bringing his remarkable talent and work ethic to the NFL stage.
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