Jeremiyah Love Signs Record $53 Million Rookie Deal with Cardinals

Veteran NFL running backs may already envy Jeremiyah Love, who signed his rookie contract before taking a single snap.

The third overall pick in last month's NFL Draft agreed to a four-year deal worth $53 million on Friday. It includes the most guaranteed money ever given to a running back in league history, far exceeding prior records.

Saquon Barkley previously held the mark with $36 million upon signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025. Ashton Jeanty's rookie deal came in at $35.9 million.

Love rose on draft boards after a standout season at Notre Dame. The Arizona Cardinals selected him and paired him with an offense set for changes under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

This year, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 games for the Fighting Irish, topping 100 yards in six outings. He gained 228 yards against the USC Trojans.

Love is the highest-drafted running back since the New York Giants took Barkley second overall out of Penn State in 2018.

Despite the large sum, Love plans to avoid spending his NFL paychecks. "I’m not spending any of my NFL checks," he told BRGridiron. "All that money, my financial advisor’s going to take care of all of that. I don’t know about it, it ain’t my job. It’s going to be there making more and more money."

He intends to use endorsement money instead and has no plans for extravagance. "First thing I might buy with my marketing money is a house for my parents, car for my dad," Love said. "Shoot, I’m gonna put myself last. I’m going to take care of my family first."

The running back market had stalled for years, but recent offseasons show teams increasing investments in the position. Love's contract could shape future views if he falls short of expectations.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.