Ex-Cardinals RB Emari Demercado signing with Chiefs on 1-year deal

Former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado is signing a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the move.

“Blessed to say the least,” Demercado said on X. “Chiefs kingdom, lets work.”

The news comes after the Cardinals decided against tendering Demercado this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Demercado totaled 312 yards on 44 carries and caught 13 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown in 2025.

The running back’s season, however, will largely be remembered for dropping the ball before the end zone on a 71-yard run in a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Had he scored, Arizona likely puts the game out of reach and starts 3-2 on the year.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon was later fined for his sideline interaction with Demercado after the play.

While Shultz reported Arizona could look into bringing back Demercado this offseason, the Cardinals running backs room looks about set with the re-signings of James Conner and Bam Knight, plus new addition Tyler Allgeier. Trey Benson is also preparing for his Year 3 with the franchise.

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