It makes little financial sense to draft a running back with a top-five pick, but the Cardinals are considering taking Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick anyway.
Arizona would hand the Notre Dame standout a fully-guaranteed contract worth just under $13.5MM per year, per OverTheCap. For several other positions, that would be a below-market rate – significantly so for wide receivers and edge rushers. Among running backs, though, Love would be at or close to the top of the positional market in both AAV and guarantees.
Is Love worth the opportunity cost of selecting a running back over a premium position with such a high pick? The Cardinals are coming around to the idea, per SNY’s Connor Hughes and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They currently have a backfield by committee – Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, and James Conner – along with Zonovan Knight and Corey Kiner as depth. Arizona’s primary trio is serviceable, but Love undoubtedly offers more instant impact and long-term upside. While the team is still figuring out its future at the quarterback position, new head coach Mike LaFleur could push for the best offensive skill player in the 2026 class.
The Cardinals have also been linked with a trade out of the No. 3 spot, potentially with a team looking to come up for Love. At present, they have just seven picks – all their own – in both the 2026 and 2027 drafts. Arizona may take Ty Simpson to solve their quarterback problem right away, but they could wait to target a stronger class next year.
As a result, the latest reports could be nothing more than a draft week smokescreen to drum up interest in the No. 3 pick by a team who has already talked themselves into taking a running back with a top-10 pick. Almost all of the other teams in the top 10 have been connected with Love at some point or another, primarily the Titans, Giants, and Commanders. They could be looking to move up to secure the potential superstar running back, while other teams could be looking to jump that trio by trading up to Arizona’s pick.
Lmao cardinals smh
This tidbit seems very pointedly aimed at Washington (or some other team, like Tennessee, who is considering Love). I would bet against Arizona taking Love at three.
I still feel like Tennessee will take an edge player, but if Arizona feels that they want Love, this seems like exactly what they’d say to push them or a team close behind them into granting AZ’s wish and doing a silly trade up. So few teams would take a HB that high that this feels pointed at someone specific (or a small handful). I think that AZ wants Simpson (poor guy), but doesn’t want to overpay, and would to get an extra pick to go with that selection. A low first might get that done, with extra to spare on other positions.
Anybody ask Love how he feels about it?
Still not buying that they’d take Love. I think it would be dumb for anyone in the top five, but especially for them.
lol, pretty blatant goading here.
“Don’t test us! We will take the RB 3rd overall!! I mean it!!”
“Also, on an unrelated note, Any offers?”