
Jeremiyah Love signs historic $53 million contract with Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love signs historic $53 million contract with Cardinals
- Jeremiyah Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed a four-year rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
- The contract includes more than $53 million in guaranteed money, marking a historical precedent for running backs.
- Despite the significant contract value, Love's financial situation is stable due to past earnings, and he plans to invest his NFL salary for future use.
Story
In the United States, on May 5, 2026, Jeremiyah Love officially signed a four-year rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, becoming a part of the franchise following his selection as the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft held on April 23. The contract is notable for being fully guaranteed and represents the highest total guaranteed amount ever awarded to a running back in NFL history at just over $53 million. Love’s contract structure indicates that rookie agreements are primarily influenced by draft position rather than player position on the field, emphasizing the compensation he receives is a direct result of being the third overall selection. While many players would find a contract of this size life-changing, Love indicated that he is already financially stable due to previous earnings from his time at Notre Dame. He mentioned that he plans to allocate his NFL earnings for future generations in his family and intends to continue living on income from marketing deals instead of relying on his contract. Love previously led the nation in rushing and offensive touchdowns during his last two seasons at Notre Dame, solidifying his status as a top prospect. The Cardinals' investment in Love reflects their belief in his potential to significantly impact their offense right from the start of his professional career. As the third running back drafted overall since Saquon Barkley in 2018, Love is expected to bring considerable talent and contribute to the team’s performance. This choice by the Cardinals underlines a strategic commitment to securing a high-caliber player with an exceptional track record while also increasing financial risks associated with high draft selections. Looking ahead, the value of Love’s contract will not factor into future negotiations for veteran running backs, as it is a product of his draft position. The average annual payout of $13.25 million places him seventh among running backs, with only a few other players surpassing him in guaranteed amounts. The indicators of Love's future contracts will be based largely on the evolving market conditions for running backs rather than the terms of his current deal.