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Marvin Harrison Jr. shows off major change for the 2025 season, but will his effort fix Kyler Murray chemistry issue?

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 20, 2025 3:11 PM ET

Marvin Harrison Jr. was drafted fourth overall to be an immediate star for Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals' offense. The former Ohio State Buckeyes playmaker had moments of brilliance, but his season topped out at 62 catches for 885 yards and eight scores.

It was a solid but unspectacular season, given the lack of surrounding talent to siphon targets away from Harrison. The lanky 6-foot-4 possession target struggled to win exactly how many expected him to.

He caught only seven of 47 "tight window targets" in 2024-25, which can be attributed to some chemistry issues between Harrison and Murray.

To fix what he can on his end, Harrison hit the gym and kitchen hard this offseason. He debuted his new look in a sleeveless workout shirt this week.

"I'm eating all the right things...some extra protein for sure."

Marvin Harrison Jr. got them offseason GAINS pic.twitter.com/bC5yZ2w9FH
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) May 19, 2025

"I'm eating all the right things...some extra protein for sure," Harrison said when asked about his physique.

But will that actually help Harrison find success in 2025? Harrison's game out of Ohio State was more predicated on precision, technical ability, focus, and timing. Some of that was off with Murray, who is less of a rhythmic passer than what Harrison thrives more with, but Harrison also wasn't as great in Arizona as he was in Columbus.

Considering he was tied with Keon Coleman for the worst separation score in the NFL last year, I'd argue leaning more into gaining bulk is a risk. While it might help him invoke his inner David Boston, Harrison could lose some speed and versatility.

However, leaning more into being a power receiver could help him win those contested catches more effectively. He might be right in zapping his burst a bit in favor of being a dominant target like DK Metcalf.

Harrison certainly deserves credit for putting in the work and trying something many would consider risky.

I mentioned it every week during Stats vs Film last season

but Marvin Harrison Jr. + Kyler Murray's connection on back shoulders and outside breaking routes was so so bad

Placement, timing, location, hands through contact. It must improve this offseason. pic.twitter.com/JkNHrfGuur
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) May 19, 2025