TCU product and former undrafted Cardinals running back who signed with the Chiefs as a depth back in 2026.
Emari Demercado is a change-of-pace running back who earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent and turned it into a steady NFL role. After three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2026, per Arizona Sports. He has been an efficient runner when given carries.
Path to the league
Demercado played five seasons at TCU, finishing with 1,615 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2023 and signed with the Arizona Cardinals, carving out a backup and special-teams role over the next three years.
Career highlights
Demercado established himself as an efficient complementary back in Arizona. In 2025 he averaged 7.1 yards per carry, turning 44 carries into 312 yards, per coverage of his Chiefs signing.
2025 season
Demercado's 2025 season is best remembered for a costly Week 5 play against the Titans, when he released the ball before crossing the goal line on what would have been a 72-yard touchdown, resulting in a touchback as Arizona lost 22-21. He signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal with Kansas City in March 2026 to add depth behind Kenneth Walker III.
Sources
- Arizona Sports: Emari Demercado signing with Chiefs on 1-year deal
- ESPN: Emari Demercado player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Rushing
13 games played▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | cardinals | 13 | 44 | 312 | 7.1 | 0 | 71 |
| 2024 | cardinals | 13 | 24 | 223 | 9.3 | 1 | 53 |
| 2023 | cardinals | 14 | 58 | 284 | 4.9 | 2 | 49 |
▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | cardinals | 13 | 13 | 101 | 7.8 | 1 | 34 |
| 2024 | cardinals | 13 | 16 | 104 | 6.5 | 0 | 24 |
| 2023 | cardinals | 14 | 21 | 119 | 5.7 | 0 | 22 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Running Back
- Group
- offense
- College
- TCU
- Hometown
- Inglewood, CA, USA
- Age
- 27
- Status
- active
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