The Arizona Cardinals have signed first-round pick Jeremiyah Love, the third overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, to a four-year rookie contract. Love's deal is valued at a fully guaranteed $53.9 million, making it a record for running backs. Though he hasn't played an NFL game yet, Love has the highest contract value among his position peers and is considered one of the most talented prospects in the draft. The Cardinals opted to draft him despite having other pressing needs, solidifying Love's status as the team's leading running back.

By the Numbers
  • Jeremiyah Love's contract is worth $53.9 million, fully guaranteed.
  • He averaged 6.7 yards per carry in college, with a total of 42 touchdowns in 41 games.
Yes, But

While Love is recognized for his extraordinary talent, some critics argue the Cardinals should have focused on addressing more pressing needs at right tackle and edge defender instead of selecting a running back.

State of Play
  • Love will be the undisputed starting running back for the Cardinals, pushing Tyler Allgeier into a backup role.
  • Arizona previously re-signed James Conner and added Tyler Allgeier before drafting Love, indicating a shift in their backfield strategy.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Love is expected to make an immediate impact in the Cardinals' offense, possibly reshaping their game plan to maximize his dual-threat capabilities as a runner and receiver.

Bottom Line

The Cardinals’ investment in Jeremiyah Love signifies a strong commitment to maximizing their backfield talent, which could redefine their offensive strategy for the upcoming season.