When I first heard about Jeremiyah Love’s record-breaking rookie contract, my initial reaction was, ‘Wow, running backs are finally getting their due.’ But as I dug deeper, I realized the narrative isn’t as straightforward as it seems. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Love’s deal isn’t a victory for running backs as a whole—it’s a product of his draft slot, not his position. Personally, I think this distinction is crucial because it highlights a broader trend in the NFL: the value of a player’s contract is often dictated by where they’re drafted, not what they do on the field.
Let’s break this down. Love’s four-year, $53 million fully guaranteed contract is historic, but it’s not because he’s a running back. If you take a step back and think about it, any player drafted third overall would have received a similar deal, regardless of position. This raises a deeper question: Are we overstating the significance of Love’s contract for running backs as a whole? In my opinion, we are. The NFL’s rookie contract structure is rigidly tied to draft position, not market value or positional importance.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Cardinals’ decision to draft Love third. They could have selected a running back later in the draft for a fraction of the cost, but they chose to invest heavily. What this really suggests is that the Cardinals are betting on Love’s potential, not just his position. But here’s the kicker: this contract won’t set a precedent for veteran running backs. When established players like Breece Hall negotiate their deals, Love’s contract will be irrelevant. What many people don’t realize is that rookie contracts operate in a different financial universe, one that’s insulated from the market forces that affect veterans.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Love’s average annual payout of $13.25 million ranks seventh among running backs. Meanwhile, Hall, who has a significantly smaller guarantee, will earn more per year. This disparity underscores the disconnect between rookie deals and the open market. From my perspective, the real test for Love—and for the Cardinals—will come when it’s time for his second contract. That’s when we’ll see how his performance stacks up against the market value of running backs.
If you ask me, the NFL’s rookie contract system is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides financial security for young players. On the other, it can create unrealistic expectations for positional value. Love’s contract is a prime example of this dynamic. While it’s a win for him personally, it doesn’t signal a shift in how the league values running backs. In fact, it reinforces the idea that draft position trumps all else.
Looking ahead, I’m curious to see how this plays out. Will teams continue to draft running backs in the top 10, knowing the financial commitment? Or will they opt for positions perceived as more valuable? Personally, I think the latter is more likely. The NFL is a league driven by quarterbacks and pass rushers, and running backs are increasingly seen as replaceable. Love’s contract is an outlier, not a trendsetter.
In the end, Jeremiyah Love’s deal is less about running backs and more about the quirks of the NFL draft system. It’s a reminder that in football, as in life, context is everything. If you take a step back and think about it, this contract isn’t a victory for anyone but Love himself. And that, in my opinion, is the most interesting part of the story.
