Cardinals Emerge as Serious Contender for Love in Deep Running Back Class, Sources Indicate

The Arizona Cardinals have positioned themselves as a legitimate landing spot for Oklahoma State running back Jeremiah Love ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the team's draft intentions. The Cardinals have conducted extensive evaluation work on Love and view him as a potential centerpiece of their offensive rebuild under head coach Jonathan Gannon, I am told.

Love has publicly acknowledged that discussions with Arizona, Tennessee, and New York represent the most serious quarterback conversations he's had with NFL teams in recent weeks. The acknowledgment provides insight into which franchises view the running back position as a priority in what scouts and general managers agree is one of the deepest and most talented running back classes in recent memory. The Cardinals, sources say, have made it clear internally that they are open to using premium draft capital on the position if the right player becomes available.

Per sources, the Cardinals have identified Love as the type of three-down back who can transform their offensive identity. Love's combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability aligns perfectly with Gannon's offensive philosophy, which emphasizes versatility and movement in the passing game. The Cardinals currently lack a true lead back capable of handling the workload and production scouts expect from a high draft pick. Their current depth chart does not provide the ceiling that Arizona's new coaching staff believes is necessary for sustained offensive success.

The timing of Love's draft preparation coincides with a critical juncture in the Cardinals' roster construction. Arizona finished last season with significant questions about its offensive personnel and offensive line stability. Multiple sources confirm that the team's front office has prioritized upgrading talent at skill positions this offseason. A running back who can immediately contribute and develop into a franchise piece represents one avenue to address these needs.

I am told the Cardinals are not the only team pursuing Love aggressively. The Tennessee Titans have generated considerable interest in the running back, sources indicate. Tennessee's new regime has emphasized building through the trenches and developing a power running game. The Titans see value in investing early draft capital in the backfield to complement their offensive line investments. Tennessee's recent coaching changes have created an environment where organizational priorities have been clarified, and a featured back fits those priorities.

The New York Giants represent the third franchise Love has referenced publicly. The Giants have a well-documented need at multiple positions, but sources within their organization have indicated they are open to addressing the backfield. New York's current running back room lacks star power and explosive potential. The Giants have historically valued players who can impact the game in multiple facets, and Love's receiving ability appeals to that organizational preference.

What separates the Cardinals from other potential suitors, according to sources with knowledge of Arizona's situation, is the team's willingness to commit resources and touches to the position. Gannon's offense is designed to maximize efficiency through ball security and complementary football. A back like Love could see 15 to 20 touches per game in Arizona's system, providing him with the opportunity to accumulate production and develop into a household name.

The Cardinals currently project to have draft capital available in the middle rounds of the first round, depending on how their offseason moves unfold. Per sources, the team has not ruled out trading up if they identify a prospect they believe represents elite value. Love has the skill set to trigger that type of aggressive move from Arizona's front office, I am told.

From a cap perspective, the Cardinals have positioned themselves well to absorb the financial commitment associated with a running back selected in the first round. Arizona's cap structure allows flexibility in how the team structures rookie contracts and veteran acquisitions simultaneously. The Cardinals are not operating under significant cap constraints that would force them to compromise on player acquisition costs.

Love's evaluation process has included multiple formal interviews with Cardinals personnel. These meetings have gone smoothly, according to sources, with both sides expressing mutual interest in a potential partnership. The Cardinals have provided Love with detailed information about their offensive scheme, coaching staff development philosophy, and long-term vision for the franchise. Love, for his part, has impressed Arizona decision makers with his maturity, work ethic, and football intelligence.

The running back position has experienced a significant shift in draft valuation over the past five years. However, the 2026 class appears positioned to reverse some of that trend, with multiple elite backs potentially available when Arizona selects. League executives I have spoken with believe this could be the deepest and most talented running back class in over a decade. That abundance of talent has made franchises more willing to invest premium resources, as the difference between a first round and second round back has narrowed considerably.

Love's production at Oklahoma State supports the elevated interest from multiple NFL teams. He has demonstrated consistency as both a runner and receiver. His film shows decision making ability, vision, and an understanding of how to set up defenders. These qualities are not universally present in every running back prospect, which explains why Love has generated the type of legitimate interest from three playoff-caliber organizations.

The Cardinals' interest in Love must be viewed within the context of their broader offensive personnel decisions. The team's recent moves at other positions will influence whether they ultimately commit to a back. Arizona has signaled through various personnel moves that they are building a complete offense rather than relying on any single player to elevate performance. That philosophy suggests the Cardinals see Love as a complementary piece that would enhance an improving unit rather than as a singular savior.

What separates Arizona's approach from some other teams is their belief that running back is a position where elite talent can still create significant value. Gannon has preached empowerment through personnel versatility. A back like Love gives Arizona multiple chess pieces to deploy, which aligns with the coach's overall offensive vision and philosophy.

The next critical phase in this evaluation process begins tonight as the draft officially commences. How Love performs on NFL fields during the predraft process and whether any trades occur that could impact team positioning will be crucial factors. The Cardinals, per sources, plan to remain actively engaged in the evaluation process right through their selection. Whether they ultimately pursue Love with a premium pick or wait for opportunity later in the draft will become clear once the draft board begins to move and available options crystallize.