The Arizona Cardinals will allow running back Emari Demercado to enter free agency after choosing not to tender him as a restricted free agent, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz on March 5, 2026. This decision comes less than a week before the official start of the NFL free agency period, signaling that the Cardinals may prioritize reallocating salary cap space elsewhere this offseason.
Demercado, who has been with the Cardinals since signing an undrafted contract in 2023, accumulated over 1,100 total yards and scored four touchdowns during his tenure with Arizona. Despite this, the team opted not to give him a tender offer, allowing him full freedom to sign with any club.
Emari Demercado’s 2025 Season and Role in the Offense
Initially the third-string running back behind James Conner and Trey Benson, Emari Demercado was thrust into a larger role early in the 2025 season due to injuries to both backs. Although he showed potential, a critical error in Week 5 marred his performance. Demercado broke away on a promising 72-yard run but fumbled the ball before reaching the end zone, costing the Cardinals a sure touchdown.
Arizona lost that close game by one point, contributing to a disappointing 3–14 finish for the season. Demercado’s usage remained limited, primarily as a third-down back, and he only surpassed 14 carries in a single game. Over the entire season, he recorded 312 rushing yards alongside 101 receiving yards.
Roster Changes and Future Implications for the Cardinals
Alongside the decision not to tender Demercado, the Cardinals have also released two defensive starters from the 2025 campaign. These moves suggest that Arizona is preparing to reconfigure its roster heading into the new league year. The absence of a tender for Demercado indicates a willingness to explore alternative options at the running back position during free agency or the draft.
Given Demercado’s steady if unspectacular contributions, the Cardinals’ choice to let him hit free agency may reflect a desire to address other roster priorities with available cap space. For Demercado, it represents the first opportunity to negotiate with any NFL team after three seasons, providing a chance to find a new role elsewhere.
Looking Ahead: Emari Demercado’s Next Steps in the NFL
As Emari Demercado begins life as an unrestricted free agent, his future remains uncertain but hopeful. Having gained valuable experience in Glendale at State Farm Stadium, the 27-year-old running back will attract attention from teams in need of depth at the position, especially those valuing a versatile third-down option.
The Cardinals’ move not to tender Demercado signals a shift in roster strategy during a tense and pivotal offseason, with free agency offering fresh opportunities for both the player and the franchise.
Sources: The #Cardinals will not tender RB Emari Demercado as an RFA, making him a free agent.
Demercado had over 1,100 total yards and 4 TDs during his time in Arizona, and they could look to bring him back. pic.twitter.com/oB3pI2MlX3
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
Sources: The #Cardinals will not tender RB Emari Demercado as an RFA, making him a free agent.
Demercado had over 1,100 total yards and 4 TDs during his time in Arizona, and they could look to bring him back. pic.twitter.com/oB3pI2MlX3
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
