The Arizona Cardinals made a major statement when they selected running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the Cardinals opened OTAs, they had Love in a peculiar position.
The rookie was seen returning kicks on Monday, via PHNX. Whether or not the Cardinals plan to continue having Love field kicks throughout the offseason is yet to be seen.
Arizona Cardinals top pick Jeremiyah Love working on kickoff return at OTAs pic.twitter.com/yZ4wDW3YJO
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) May 18, 2026
By using that third pick on Love, the Cardinals handed the running back a nearly $54 million contract. Because of that, they'll want to avoid the rookie picking up injuries. For all his playmaking value, returning kicks during the regular season would seem counter intuitive to that plan.
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But it is just the first day of OTAs. New head coach Mike LaFleur could just be trying things out as players begin getting lose. The Cardinals should have an overall plan for Love's offseason based on his draft positioning.
While the rookie returning kicks may have been questionable, his spot in Arizona's offense is anything but. He is now poised to be a focal point for the foreseeable future. As the Cardinals search for their next quarterback, they'll be doing so with Love's skill set in mind.
Over his three years at Notre Dame, the running back gained 2,882 yards and 36 touchdown on the ground with another 594 yards and six touchdowns coming through the air. In 2025, Love was named a Unanimous All-American and the Doak Walker Award winner. He ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns and gained 280 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
The Cardinals will spend their offseason building Love into their lineup. The quicker he is treated as Arizona's RB1, the sooner he will likely be done fielding kick offs.
The Arizona Cardinals made a major statement when they selected running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the Cardinals opened OTAs, they had Love in a peculiar position. The rookie was seen returning kicks on Monday, via PHNX. Whether or not the Cardinals plan to continue having Love field kicks throughout the offseason is yet to be seen.