Chiefs add to new-look running back corps with signing of Emari Demercado
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs agree to one-year deal with Emari Demercado, adding backfield depth.
- Demercado averages 6.5 yards/carry and had four runs of 49+ yards.
- Projected as a rotational, change-of-pace back alongside Brashard Smith.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ reshaping of their running backs room did not end with splash free-agent signing Kenneth Walker.
On Thursday, the Chiefs agreed to a one-year contract with now-former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado, which he confirmed on his X account. NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported it.
Demercado, 27, signed with the Cardinals after going undrafted out of TCU in the 2023 NFL Draft. He made Arizona’s 53-man roster as a rookie despite going undrafted.
During three seasons in Arizona, Demercado appeared in 40 games, seeing most of his snaps when starter James Conner and others fell to injury. Demercado’s only pair of starts came in Weeks 7 and 8 of his rookie season.
Over three seasons, Demercado compiled 126 carries for 819 yards — a 6.5 yards-per-carry average that’s impressive even in limited work. He also rushed for three touchdowns.
While he didn’t see many touches, Demercado showed explosive, home-run ability with four carries of 49 yards or more in his career. He added 50 catches for 324 yards and a single receiving touchdown.
In a new-look Chiefs running backs corps, Demercado projects as a rotational, change-of-pace option with Brashard Smith behind Walker.
