Latest news with #EmariDemercado
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
None of Arizona Cardinals' rookie free agents projected to earn roster spot
None of Arizona Cardinals' rookie free agents projected to earn roster spot The Cardinals signed six rookie free agents. Draft Wire does not project any of them to make the 53-man roster. The Arizona Cardinals have had success with rookie free agents coming in and making the team. Last year, receiver Xaver Weaver made the team. In 2023, it was running back Emari Demercado. In other seasons, guys like Tony Jefferson, Trent Sherfield, Zeke Turner and Dennis Gardeck have started successful NFL careers as undrafted rookies. The Cardinals signed six rookie free agents this year after the draft. Could any of them make the 53-man roster? Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy projected which rookie free agents around the league could make their teams' rosters. Of the 11 players listed, none were on the Cardinals. This year's undrafted rookies for the Cardinals will have a tough time cracking the roster. They signed three offensive linemen, a defensive lineman, a receiver and a tight end. The defensive line room is already loaded and they will likely have to trade or cut a player who could start somewhere. The offensive linemen they signed will have a tough time making the roster, especially since they ar tackles. The Cardinals already have two backup tackles in Kelvin Beachum and Christian Jones, although perhaps one of them could beat out Jones potentially. Could Bryson Green crack the receiver room or Oscar Cardenas earn the fourth tight end role? Possibly, but we will have to see. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
12-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 offseason roster profile: RB Emari Demercado
The Arizona Cardinals are in offseason mode and we are still weeks away from free agency and months from the NFL draft. Over the next little while, we will take a look at each player on the roster or signed to a reserve deal and break down where they stand with the team. We will look at their 2024 season, their contract status and what their status is for the coming offseason and 2025 season. Next up is running back Emari Demercado. 2024 Emari Demercado stats, season Demercado, who made the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2023 and carved out a role as the team's third-down back, maintained that role in 2024. He really was unchallenged for that role. He played in 13 games, rushing for 223 yards and a touchdown on only 24 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His 53-yard touchdown run at the end of the first half in the Cardinals' 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears was electric. He also had 16 receptions for 104 yards. He finished the season on injured reserve after a back injury he played through for became too much for him. 2025 contract status Demercado enters the final year of his three-year deal. He will make $1.03 million in salary and count $1.035 million against the cap. Next offseason, he will be a restricted free agent. Outlook for 2025 Demercado will have to come back from his back injury and, assuming he fully recovers, will enter the offseason as the favorite to be their third-down back again. However, his spot on the roster is not secure. They could 100% sign or draft a player who could beat him out. Competition will be added, but he will have a leg up. He is a player the coaches like a lot both in his role on third down and on special teams, in addition to his ability to do more on offense when given the opportunity. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
