Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tyler Allgeier

Tuesday, April 28, 7:29 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter considers new Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier as one of the biggest losers after the 2026 NFL draft last week. Allgeier left the Atlanta Falcons to sign a two-year, $12.25 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals so that he could finally be a lead back in the NFL. Then on draft night, the Cardinals took Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick, thrusting Allgeier right back into a backup role. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. says that the Cardinals could accommodate Allgeier a bit by putting Love out wide as a slot receiver in the offense this year. Love is a dynamic threat out of the backfield as both a receiver and runner, so he will give the Cardinals flexibility and versatility in the backfield, but the bottom line is that the addition of the Fighting Irish star RB is a major threat to Allgeier having a much bigger role than he saw in Atlanta behind Bijan Robinson. That's especially true since the Cardinals also have James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) as backfield options in 2026 (if they aren't traded). Allgeier could open the season as the primary back in Arizona, but before long, Love should take over.