With Mike LaFleur stepping in as the Arizona Cardinals‘ new head coach, significant changes are expected across the roster, particularly in the running back department. The team has chosen not to tender a restricted free agent contract to Emari Demercado, opening the door for him to enter free agency according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. While the Cardinals could pursue re-signing Demercado, he is now free to consider other opportunities.
Demercado’s Performance and Role with the Cardinals
Emari Demercado is perhaps most remembered for a high-profile fumble at the goal line against the Tennessee Titans, but his overall contributions during his likely final season with Arizona were notable. Across 13 games, he recorded 312 rushing yards on 44 carries and contributed 101 receiving yards with 13 receptions, including a touchdown. Though not the featured back after James Conner suffered an injury, Demercado demonstrated efficiency with an impressive 7.1 yards per carry average and showed versatility in the passing game.
Future Prospects and Team Strategy Moving Forward
If Demercado’s time with the Cardinals concludes, he will leave having amassed 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, along with 324 receiving yards and a touchdown on 50 catches. LaFleur’s plans for the offense remain unclear, but given Demercado’s free agency status, it seems unlikely that he will feature prominently in the Cardinals’ future backfield. The running back group could see considerable reshaping for the 2026 season as Arizona looks to build a new offensive identity under its new coach.
“Arizona isn’t tendering restricted free agent Emari Demercado a contract, meaning he will enter free agency.” ?Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
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
