Story perspectives

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

4/25/2026

Summary

Cardinals Draft Love

The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick on April 23, 2026, the highest-drafted RB since Saquon Barkley’s No. 2 selection in 2018.
He signed a $50.5 million, four-year contract after rushing for 1,372 yards, 18 touchdowns and winning the Doak Walker Award.
GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur said Love fits the Cardinals’ offensive rebuild after a 3-14 season that ranked 31st in rushing yards.

Summary

Cardinals Launch Jerseys

The Cardinals' selection of Jeremiyah Love was briefly paused after a phone-number error delayed the call to the player.
Owner Michael Bidwil organized a large-scale jersey-sales campaign featuring Love’s name.
Analysts predict replica shirts with Love’s name will sell rapidly, helping the club recoup his $50.5 million contract.
The pick is intended to win back season-ticket holders who considered leaving, echoing the 2004 draft that produced Larry Fitzgerald.

History

Historical Context

Arizona’s 2026 third-overall pick of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love echoes the franchise’s 2004 selection of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, also third overall. Fitzgerald’s 17-season, 1,378-reception career earned him Hall-of-Fame induction in 2026, illustrating how high-profile draft choices have long shaped the Cardinals, the NFL’s oldest continuously operating team.

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Cardinals Draft Love

The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick on April 23, 2026, the highest-drafted RB since Saquon Barkley’s No. 2 selection in 2018.
He signed a $50.5 million, four-year contract after rushing for 1,372 yards, 18 touchdowns and winning the Doak Walker Award.
GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur said Love fits the Cardinals’ offensive rebuild after a 3-14 season that ranked 31st in rushing yards.

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