Jeremiyah Love contract: How Cardinals first-round pick set record for most guaranteed money for rookie RB

Jeremiyah Love contract: How Cardinals first-round pick set record for most guaranteed money for rookie RB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jeremiyah Love made history in more ways than one when he heard his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Notre Dame product became one of just five tailbacks to be selected inside the top-5 since the turn of the century when he was taken by the Cardinals with the third overall pick.

That draft slot brings certain expectations. It also brings a gleaming paycheck, one that will put him in the upper echelon of players at his position.

With that, here's what you need to know about Love's contract, one that figures to reset the running back market in 2026 and beyond.

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Jeremiyah Love contract details

• **Years:**Four
• Contract value:$52.5 million

Love hasn't yet signed his contract. Assuming he does, however, he'll command a record-breaking fee compared to his positional peers.

Love will take home upwards of $50 million over the course of his contract. He will take home the whole of that figure, making him the highest-paid tailback in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money.

Love's contract sees him surpass a host of gifted runners, including Saquon Barkley ($36 million), ($28.82 million), ($24 million) and ($24 million). Love's deal also dwarfs the contract running back -- a fellow top-10 pick -- took home in 2025.