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Cardinals Draft Love No. 3, Sign Record $50.5 M Deal

4/24/2026

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Summary

Love Drafted

Cardinals chose Notre Dame back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
Love signed a guaranteed $50.5 million contract, the highest ever for a running back.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Coach Mike LaFleur said the pick shows Love is a playmaker and will be used in play-action and receiving.
Analysts graded the pick C- to B+ because it defies recent running-back value trends.

Summary

Love Cleared

Testing confirmed no heart issues for Jeremiah Love after an abnormal EKG at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The abnormal EKG raised concerns about a heart condition and prompted extra medical scrutiny.
Love’s touchdown celebration, a heart shape with his hands, mirrored the cardiac attention.
ESPN analyst Ian Rapoport called the clearance a major sigh of relief for Love and the Cardinals.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced a rookie wage scale in 2012, capping contracts for first-round picks and reshaping player negotiations. The Arizona Cardinals' 2023 selection of Jeremiyah Love for $50.5 million underscores a trend toward valuing versatile running backs. This shift reflects evolving team strategies and may influence future investments in running back talent as franchises adapt to changing dynamics in professional football.

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Love Drafted

Cardinals chose Notre Dame back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
Love signed a guaranteed $50.5 million contract, the highest ever for a running back.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Coach Mike LaFleur said the pick shows Love is a playmaker and will be used in play-action and receiving.
Analysts graded the pick C- to B+ because it defies recent running-back value trends.

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