The Arizona Cardinals got their guy at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. Arizona used a first-round pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. One NFL insider questions whether drafting a running back so high in the draft was the right move after all.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano responded to some overreactions in a recent article following the draft. Graziano cited Love’s rookie contract when arguing why Arizona “blew it” by picking him at third overall.
“There is no question that Love is a wonderful player who, on talent alone, deserves to be picked this high,” Graziano wrote. “The reason this is even a debate is that Love plays running back, and picking a running back at No. 3 in 2026 means giving him a four-year, $52.5 million fully guaranteed rookie contract.”
Love will earn $13.47 million per season on his rookie contract. That already puts him at seventh in the NFL among running backs in terms of average salary per season.
Arizona did what they could to set Love up for success as a rookie. They added guard Chase Bisontis in the second round as well as tackle Jayden Williamson Day 3.
But part of the problem could be Love will ultimately finish his career outside of Arizona.
“Again, this is no offense to Love, who I hope has an excellent career. The concern is that by the time the Cardinals are likely to contend, they’ll be confronting a contract extension with Love that they might not be able to afford,” Graziano argued. “Arizona could easily be wasting the early years of his career while paying him a premium salary.”
Love’s performance could be under a microscope throughout the duration of his rookie contract.
It will be exciting to see whether or not he proves the doubters wrong.
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