When the Arizona Cardinals selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they made a clear statement: this is the running back who will define their offense for years to come. Now, the financial details of his rookie contract confirm just how seriously the franchise is backing that belief.
According to a report from Adam Schefter, Love has signed a four-year, fully-guaranteed deal worth $53.9 million. That's right—every single dollar is locked in, a structure typically reserved for the league's top picks under the NFL's rookie wage scale. For a running back, it's a massive commitment that signals a shift in how the Cardinals value the position.
The contract includes a signing bonus of over $35 million, reflecting Love's status as the third overall selection. Under the league's rookie system, first-round picks receive four-year fully guaranteed deals with a potential fifth-year team option, giving franchises long-term control over their most promising prospects.
What makes this deal stand out is how it reshapes expectations at the running back position. Love's guaranteed money alone places him among the highest-paid players at his spot, a rare distinction in an era where running backs often struggle to secure long-term financial security. The Cardinals aren't just adding a rotational piece—they're investing in a cornerstone.
Love arrives in the NFL after a standout college career at Notre Dame, where he established himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in recent draft classes. His ability to impact both the running and passing game made him a highly touted prospect, and Arizona is expected to build a significant portion of its offense around his talents from day one.
For fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike, this deal is a clear signal: Jeremiyah Love isn't just another rookie. He's the centerpiece of the Cardinals' future, and the franchise is betting big on his ability to deliver.
