Jeremiyah Love was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL draft, making him the highest running back drafted since Saquon Barkley in 2018. He will set a record for guaranteed money for a running back before playing a game.
The Arizona Cardinals made running back Jeremiyah Love the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday. He was the highest running back drafted since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018.
While no one is denying Love's talent and potential impact on the field, many question drafting him that high for financial reasons?
Why?
Love will be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL before even stepping on the field, and will set an NFL record for guaranteed money for a running back.
According to Spotrac, Love's projected contract will be four years worth about $53 million with a $35 million signing bonus. It will be fully guaranteed, as all first-round contracts always are.
The per-year average of more than $13 million when he signs his contract will rank seventh among running backs, behind Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Ken Walker, Breece Hall and Jonathan Taylor.
Love's contract will be fully guaranteed. Barkley's full guarantees of $36 million is the current record for running back. Love's will be the whole value of the contract.
If he is great, the money won't matter, although it will make him a very expensive running back for his fifth-year option and a second contract, but with the increasing salary cap, it probably will be fine.
The question is whether he can be a top-10 or top-five running back while playing on his rookie deal.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on , or .
Jeremiyah Love will set the NFL record for guaranteed money for a running back with his rookie contract.
Jeremiyah Love was drafted third overall, making him the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley, who was drafted second overall in 2018.
Many question the financial implications of drafting Love third overall, given the high salary he will command as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
IPL 2026: Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal steal the show in RR practice ahead of their match against SRH.
Lewis Steele is back at Liverpool to fill the gap left by a club legend.
Don't miss the boxing doubleheader this weekend with Inoue vs. Nakatani and Ramirez vs. Benavidez!
Zayden Miller's home run secures walk-off victory for Pirates over South Dearborn!
Michael Malone transitions from NBA champion to UNC Tar Heels head coach.
Jim Furyk to captain the US team in the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Jeremiyah Love's rookie contract will set RB record