Running back Tyler Allgeier already looks like a strong offseason signing for the Arizona Cardinals.
He finished with 61 yards rushing on 17 carries in their Week 1 upset over the Los Angeles Chargers. A few more carries than what we should typically expect as the season progresses, particularly because rookie Jeremiyah Love was recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in the preseason.
Love ultimately suited up and was efficient in his limited touches, finishing with 11 carries for 41 yards rushing and one touchdown. He also caught two of four targets for 9 yards, showing he'll be a factor in the passing game as a three-down back.
Given the draft pedigree, it's only a matter of time until this becomes Love's backfield. That said, Week 1 showed why the Cardinals decided to go out and get Allgeier this offseason.
Tyler Allgeier is the key to preserving Jeremiyah Love
Allgeier will continue to play a key role in this running game as the Cardinals look to find a more balanced offense in 2026. It's similar to the valuable, underrated role he played as a backup to star running back Bijan Robinson with the Atlanta Falcons.
Allgeier hovered around 600 yards rushing the past three seasons in Atlanta, and it's reasonable to expect a similar finish in Arizona as they continue to use him in that role. It's also reminiscent because of the top ten draft investment for both Robinson and Love.
The rebuilding Cardinals know they have something special in Love and want to preserve the potential face of their rebuild. It's even more important given the injury risk at the position and the short shelf lives that come with running backs. So not only is Allgeier already proving his value with the strong running he's displayed, but he's also helping the Cardinals preserve their most valuable asset in Love.
Some may understandably be eager to see Love unleashed in that bellcow role. He certainly is capable, with his three-down skill set and receiving ability. But despite the Week 1 upset, the Cardinals know this is a long process before they are back in contention. They want to align Love's peak with that contention window, and need him fresh and healthy until that time does come.
While on the surface one would assume Allgeier immediately became more expendable after the Cardinals drafted Love, it's actually playing out the opposite way. Especially with Bam Knight currently the only other running back on this 53-man roster, it's perfect for them to lean on Allgeier as that complementary back.
He has a legitimate case to make as one of the best backups in the league and remains perennially underrated. If Love is able to reach that star ceiling, Arizona could have one of the league's best running back duos sooner rather than later.
That's quite the turnaround for a team that was only better than the Las Vegas Raiders when it came to running the ball last season. It's the sign of an identity shift under new head coach Mike LaFleur as they establish a more balanced offense in the valley.
Love gets much of the spotlight for that shift and understandably so, but this formula never would've worked had they not also signed Allgeier.
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