Emari Demercado

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		40	819	3	6.5
2025		13	312	0	7.1
2024		13	223	1	9.3
2023		14

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Demercado's one-year, $1.3M deal with Kansas City earns a solid B- CVI — a fair-value signing that gives the Chiefs affordable depth without breaking the bank. At just over a million annually for a depth piece running back, this contract reflects the harsh reality of the modern NFL's devaluation of the position, but also represents smart roster building by a championship-contender. The minimal guaranteed money ($0.6M) gives Kansas City maximum flexibility while providing Demercado a chance to carve out a role in Andy Reid's explosive offense. For a depth piece tier player, the financial commitment is appropriate — the Chiefs aren't overpaying for upside they're unlikely to see, but they're also not getting a steal on a hidden gem. This signing screams "insurance policy" more than impact acquisition, giving Kansas City a reliable option behind their established backs without hampering their salary cap flexibility as they chase another Super Bowl. The short-term nature and low guarantee make this a textbook low-risk, moderate-reward depth move that championship teams execute regularly.

Performance Analysis

Emari Demercado earns an F for the Chiefs at running back, a player who has been unable to carve out a meaningful role in Kansas City's loaded offense. Demercado has shown some ability as a change-of-pace runner, but his production has been too sporadic to earn regular touches. The Chiefs have other options in the backfield who are more productive and versatile. His special teams contributions have been his primary path to a roster spot, and even those have been inconsistent. Kansas City's roster is too deep for a player who is not producing to stick around long-term.

Fan Sentiment

A sensible depth add for Kansas City's backfield, nothing more. Five headlines covered the signing, mostly framing it as a roster expansion move. Demercado brings Arizona Cardinals experience as a reliable change-of-pace back with special teams value. Fans see this as insurance behind Pacheco rather than a true upgrade at the position. Expect a rotational role with limited touches unless injuries strike Kansas City's backfield.