Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love's NFL Draft stock uncertain after free agency moves

Several teams in need of a running back have already addressed the position, potentially impacting Love's draft position.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but recent free agency moves by several teams picking early in the draft have created uncertainty around where he will land. Teams like the Jets, Cardinals, Chiefs, and Saints have all added starting-caliber running backs, potentially reducing the number of potential suitors for Love in the top 10. However, the New York Giants at pick #5 could still be an option, as they look to pair Love with Cam Skattebo and upgrade their backfield.

Why it matters

Love is considered one of the most talented players in the 2026 draft class, but the running back position has historically been devalued in the first round. The recent free agency moves by teams picking early could push Love down the draft board, despite his elite talent, as teams focus on addressing other positions of need in the top 10.

The details

Several teams picking in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft have already addressed their running back needs in free agency. The Jets tagged Breece Hall, the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier, the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III, and the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. This leaves fewer potential landing spots for Love in the top 10, as teams like the Commanders, Bengals, Cowboys, Rams, and Buccaneers may not be as inclined to use a high pick on a running back. However, the Giants at #5 could still be an option, as they look to pair Love with Cam Skattebo and upgrade their backfield.

  • The legal tampering period ahead of NFL free agency began in early March 2026.
  • The Jets tagged Breece Hall prior to the start of free agency.
  • The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier, the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III, and the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. during the free agency period.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from the University of Notre Dame who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Breece Hall

A running back for the New York Jets who was tagged by the team ahead of free agency.

Tyler Allgeier

A running back who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.

Kenneth Walker III

A running back who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Travis Etienne Jr.

A running back who signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where Jeremiyah Love's final draft position will be determined.

The takeaway

The recent free agency moves by several teams picking early in the 2026 NFL Draft have created uncertainty around where Jeremiyah Love will be selected, despite his elite talent. The New York Giants at pick #5 could still be a potential landing spot, but Love's draft stock may have taken a hit due to the reduced number of potential suitors in the top 10.