Cardinals Sign Love to Record $53.9M RB Guarantee

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love signed a four-year, $53.9 million fully guaranteed contract on Friday, securing the largest guaranteed sum ever given to a running back in NFL history. The deal, which averages $13.25 million annually and ranks seventh among current running backs, reflects his selection as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

Love, a standout from Notre Dame, became the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went second overall to the New York Giants in 2018. In his final college season, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns at 6.9 yards per carry, surpassing 100 yards in six of 14 games, including 228 against USC. The prior year, he posted 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns at the same efficiency, while proving reliable as a receiver. A Heisman finalist and Doak Walker Award winner, Love entered the league as a top prospect.

The Cardinals committed to the hefty rookie slot value despite available running backs later in the draft, signaling confidence from general manager Monti Ossenfort and new head coach Mike LaFleur. Ossenfort praised Love's maturity after their combine interaction, calling him "an...