The Notre Dame running back signs record-setting contract as team aims for revival
Category: Sports
The Arizona Cardinals made a bold choice by selecting Jeremiyah Love, a running back from Notre Dame, with the third pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the earliest a running back has been drafted since Saquon Barkley was picked second by the New York Giants in 2018. This decision comes as the Cardinals look to rebuild after a dismal 3-14 season in the competitive NFC West, where they finished last in rushing, averaging just 93.1 yards per game. The draft took place on April 23, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as seen in a trending post on r/nfl.
Love's selection has sparked mixed reactions among analysts and fans alike. His talent is not in question; many regard him as the best draft prospect of 2026 and a top offensive weapon. Yet, the Cardinals' choice has reignited the debate over whether a running back should be a high draft pick, especially considering the position is often viewed as non-premium in terms of financial investment. Historically, teams that draft players early benefit from the rookie wage scale, which limits salaries for first-round picks, allowing them to acquire quality talent at below-market rates.
Jeremiyah Love's contract reflects his high draft status. He signed a four-year deal worth a total of $53,022,816, which includes a signing bonus of $35,022,048 and is fully guaranteed at signing. This contract makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history before he has even taken a snap. His average annual salary of $13,255,704 ranks him as the seventh-highest-paid running back in the league, just below the franchise tag placed on Breece Hall by the New York Jets earlier this year.
The Cardinals' struggles last season were compounded by their ineffective rushing attack, which ranked 31st in the league. The Seattle Seahawks, who won the NFC West with a 14-3 record, along with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, both boasting 12-5 records, highlighted the competitive nature of the division. The Cardinals' need for a dynamic running back was evident, especially after James Conner's injury-plagued season and the limited production from other backs.
In drafting Love, the Cardinals hope to replicate the success of previous high-profile running backs like Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott. Barkley, for example, led the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season and was named the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Elliott, drafted fourth in 2016, also made an immediate impact, leading the league in rushing yards with 1,631 in his rookie year. The Cardinals are banking on Love to achieve similar success, especially considering their offensive line was rated among the worst in the league last season, a challenge that could hinder his performance.
As Love prepares to join the Cardinals, he faces the pressure of living up to his draft position and the expectations that come with it. He enters a crowded backfield alongside Tyler Allegier, who recently signed a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, and Conner, who took a pay cut to remain with the team. Love's ability to consistently perform as a top-ten running back throughout his rookie contract will be key for the Cardinals to justify their investment in him.
Looking ahead, Love has already made it clear how he plans to manage his newfound wealth. He stated, "I’m not spending any of my NFL checks. All that money, my financial advisor’s going to take care of all of that. I don’t know about it, it ain’t my job. It’s going to be there making more and more money." Instead, Love plans to utilize his endorsement money for personal expenses, including buying a house for his parents and a car for his dad. This approach reflects a maturity often praised by coaches and teammates, emphasizing his commitment to family over personal extravagance.
With the Cardinals looking to improve their performance next season, the success of Love will be closely monitored. He is currently the odds-on favorite to win the 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, a title that could solidify his place in the league and help the Cardinals return to competitiveness.
As the 2026 season approaches, attention will turn to Love as he dons jersey number 4, hoping to make a lasting impact in Arizona and prove that the Cardinals made the right choice in drafting him so high. The upcoming training camp will be a key period for him to establish himself and earn the trust of the coaching staff and fans alike.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.