In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few moments have been as electric as the 2026 NFL Draft, where Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. The news sent shockwaves through the league, reshaping the Cardinals' depth chart and setting a new precedent for running back contracts.
The Making of a Historic Contract
The signing of Jeremiyah Love has made headlines not just for his talent, but for the astronomical contract he secured. The rookie running back’s deal is worth $50,537,014 over four years, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $12,634,254. This includes a signing bonus of $33,214,190. This contract won't just impact Love, but it will also redefine the salary structure for running backs across the NFL.
The signing bonus is a significant portion of the deal — Love’s bonus of $33,214,190 is a testament to the Cardinals' belief in his potential to transform their backfield. The Cardinals' decision to invest so heavily in Love signals a strategic shift, focusing on securing top-tier talent at a critical position.
“The Cardinals’ investment in Love is a statement about their belief in his potential to transform their backfield and their determination to win in a competitive NFL division,” said ESPN analyst, George Orr.
Shaking Up the Cardinals' Depth Chart
The addition of Jeremiyah Love has triggered a significant reshuffling of the Cardinals’ depth chart. The arrival of Love, alongside the free-agent acquisition of Tyler Allgeier, has created a dynamic backfield that promises to be both formidable and unpredictable.
Tyler Allgeier, who signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract in free agency, is now positioned as the second-string running back, behind Love. James Conner, who restructured his contract in March 2024, has been demoted to the third position on the depth chart. Conner, a veteran presence on the team, will provide valuable experience and depth, while Trey Benson, Zonovan Knight, and Corey Kiner round out the running back room. The new depth chart positions Love as the clear big-play threat, leveraging his 4.36 speed with elusiveness and power.
Love's presence also enhances the Cardinals' passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a new dimension to their offense, making him a dual-threat running back. This versatility will challenge opposing defenses and open up more play-calling options for head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Despite the addition of Love, the Cardinals will have to manage the expectations and roles of their other running backs. Tyler Allgeier, for example, brings a strong running and blocking game to the team, while James Conner offers a reliable veteran presence. The challenge for the coaching staff will be to create a balanced rotation that maximizes each player's strengths, ensuring that the team remains competitive throughout the season.
The Fantasy Football Outlook
For fantasy football enthusiasts, the arrival of Jeremiyah Love in Arizona is both an opportunity and a challenge. His projected role as a big-play threat and his potential to rack up yards both running and catching make him a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
Love’s fantasy football outlook is promising, given his ability to make plays in both the running and passing game. However, fantasy managers must also consider the depth of the Cardinals' backfield, where Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and others will compete for touches. The key to maximizing Love’s fantasy value will be to monitor his workload and role in the offense, as well as how the Cardinals distribute carries among their running backs.
For those who drafted Love early in the 2026 fantasy football drafts, the investment could pay off handsomely. His ability to make game-changing plays and his high draft position make him a strong candidate for fantasy stardom. However, those who missed out on Love in the early rounds might still find value in the other Cardinals' running backs, especially Tyler Allgeier and James Conner, who offer a blend of power and versatility.
