Emari Demercado is officially a Dallas Cowboy, claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, and this isn’t just another roster move for a team desperately trying to claw its way back to the playoffs. After a disappointing 7-9-1 finish in the 2025 season, and with no playoff appearances since 2023, the Cowboys made it clear they are not messing around, adding a crucial piece to their running back depth.
The Dallas Running Back Room Just Got an Upgrade
The waiver wire move for Demercado came right after the Cowboys cleaned house a bit, cutting Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah on Sunday. Talk about needing to fill a void! It shows how quickly teams have to adapt, especially when trying to build a contender. Demercado now slides into a running back room that already boasts Javonte Williams and Malik Davis. This isn’t just about bodies, it’s about finding that spark, that solid third option they need to truly compete. When you’re looking to return to the playoffs, you can’t have any weak links, especially in the backfield.
Demercado’s Numbers Tell a Story of Potential
Let’s talk about what Demercado brings to the table, because the dude has some serious production behind him. He spent the 2023-25 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before his brief stop with the Chiefs. His best season came in 2025, where he stacked up 44 carries for 312 yards. That’s some decent efficiency right there, telling you he can hit those holes. Overall, he has racked up 126 carries for 819 yards and three touchdowns in his career. But wait, there’s more. Demercado isn’t just a ground pounder, he’s a weapon in the receiving game too, compiling 50 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown. That kind of versatility is huge for an offense looking to keep defenses guessing. He’s that “solid third option” the source mentioned, and when you look at those numbers, you can see why Dallas is betting on him.
The Cowboys desperately need a boost, and they’re looking to Demercado to provide it. Their 2025 record of 7-9-1 was not good enough, and the fan base is definitely restless after missing the playoffs for two straight years. Adding Demercado means they’re not just hoping things change; they’re making moves.
The 2026 season kicks off against the New York Giants on September 13th. That’s an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC, which means it’s the first “Sunday Night Football” game of the year. This isn’t just any game; it’s a huge stage for Demercado and the new-look Cowboys’ running back crew to prove they mean business. The pressure is on for Dallas to show this claim was worth it, right from Week 1.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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