The Arizona Cardinals open training camp at the end of this month, so we will do a roster review, highlighting each player currently on the roster, going over last season, their salary and cap number, questions they face and what their expected roster status will be.
Next up is running back Emari Demercado.
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Background
Demercado signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie out of TCU.
He is 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds.
He played five seasons for the Horned Frogs, seeing an increase usage and production in his final three.
In 2022, he carries the ball 121 times for 681 yards and six touchdowns. Had added 13 catches for 65 yards and a score.
He has minimal experience in the return game. Over five seasons in college, he returned 17 kicks, averaging 21.5 yards per return.
He ran a 4.44-second 40 at his pro day.
2023 salary and cap hit
Demercado signed a three-year contract, got a $15,000 signing bonus and has $55,000 of his $750,000 2023 salary.
His cap hit will be $755,000.
Questions and challenges; roster outlook
The questions and challenges surrounding Demercado are those of all rookies and undrafted rookies — can he make a big enough impression early and can he carve out a role, whether on special teams or on offense?
He has a decent shot at making the roster, depending on how many running backs the Cardinals carry. They have five on the roster now. They could keep three or four.
But even if he doesn’t make the final roster, there is a very good chance he will land on the practice squad.
