Jeremiyah Love’s Record-Breaking Rookie Contract Tied to Draft Position, Not Position

When Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love recently signed his rookie contract, he secured the largest fully guaranteed deal in NFL history for a running back. While some argue this contract sets a new standard for guarantees at the position, the reality is that the compensation package reflects his draft slot, not his role on the field.

Rookie Contracts Are Driven by Draft Position, Not Position

Rookie deals in the NFL are determined by where a player is selected in the draft, not their position or projected role. Love’s contract is a direct result of being the third overall pick in the draft, not the fact that he is a running back.

As the third pick, Love’s contract would have been identical regardless of whether he was a running back, quarterback, defensive end, or any other position. The financial terms are tied to the draft slot, not the player’s on-field responsibilities or usage.

Cardinals’ Investment Reflects High Draft Pick

The Cardinals’ decision to select Love with the third overall pick came with a significant financial commitment. The team agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract, with all four years fully guaranteed—a standard for all first-round picks.

Had the Cardinals selected a running back later in the draft, the financial terms would have been far less favorable. The high draft position inherently carries a premium cost, regardless of the player’s position.

Love’s Contract Won’t Influence Future Running Back Deals

When veteran running backs renegotiate their contracts or enter free agency, Love’s rookie deal will not factor into those discussions. His contract was not negotiated based on market rates for running backs; it was an automatic outcome of his draft position.

Among running backs, Love’s $13.25 million average annual salary ranks seventh in the league. For comparison, Jets running back Breece Hall—whose new contract guarantees just $29 million—earns $15.25 million per year, placing him four spots ahead of Love in average annual salary.

Future Contracts Will Reflect Market Conditions

The contract that will ultimately impact the running back market is Love’s second deal. If and when the Cardinals offer him a second contract, its terms will be determined by the market value for running backs at that time—not by his rookie deal.