The NFL draft is always a time of big numbers and even bigger expectations—and this year, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love just made history before even stepping onto the field. When the Arizona Cardinals' first-round pick signed his rookie contract, he secured the largest full guarantee ever for a running back. But here's the twist: that record has more to do with where he was picked than the position he plays.

Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, inked a four-year, $53 million deal that comes with a fully guaranteed payout. And while headlines might scream "record for a running back," the reality is that any player taken at No. 3—whether a quarterback, defensive end, or wide receiver—would have signed the exact same contract. Rookie deals are driven by draft slot, not by position or playing time. It's the system, not the position, that sets the stage.

That doesn't mean the Cardinals didn't make a statement. By choosing Love at No. 3, Arizona committed to a significant financial investment rather than waiting to grab a running back later in the draft—where the payday would have been far smaller. Love's contract is automatic for top-three picks, but the choice to use that pick on a running back shows the team's belief in his game-changing potential.

For context, Love's $13.25 million average annual salary currently ranks seventh among all NFL running backs. That's behind New York Jets star Breece Hall, who recently signed a deal averaging $15.25 million per year—but with only $29 million guaranteed. In other words, Love's guarantee outpaces Hall's, even if the yearly average doesn't top the charts.

But here's what really matters for the market: Love's rookie deal won't move the needle for veteran running backs looking for new contracts. His contract was never negotiated based on the position's market value—it was a product of draft position. The real test will come when Love is eligible for a second contract. That's when his performance, durability, and the running back market will truly determine his worth.

For now, Love can focus on what he does best: running the ball. And for fans and fantasy owners alike, this rookie's historic guarantee is just the start of what promises to be an exciting career in the desert.