The Arizona Cardinals have masterfully put together a competitive roster this offseason. At this time last year, this team was severely lacking talent and hoping for key contributions from middling starters.
Now, the Cardinals are ready to compete for a return to the playoffs. But there are still some small moves that could be made to improve the roster before the start of the season. One of those moves could give Arizona the slight boost it needs to get over the hump.
Emari Demercado trade could be a sneaky good move for the Cardinals
Emari Demercado, the Arizona Cardinals' backup running back, could be on the trade block before the start of the 2025 season.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report listed needs, cap space, and trade assets for every NFL team. Demercado was listed as one of Arizona's top three trade assets.
The Cardinals signed Demercado, the former TCU back, as an undrafted free agent in the 2023 offseason. In his two seasons with the team, he's operated primarily as a third-string running back. He's had very limited opportunities to make an impact.
In his limited playing time, Demercado has been incredibly efficient. With 82 rushing attempts in his career, he's averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 3 touchdowns. Last season, he ran for 223 yards on just 24 attempts.
Demercado probably still won't see much playing time for the Cardinals in 2025. James Conner, Trey Benson, and DeeJay Dallas could all end up ahead of him on the depth chart. But another team could be intrigued by Demercado's flashes of explosiveness and seek a trade for him.
There are plenty of teams that could use a back with Emari Demercado's skill set. He provides an explosive quality that many backfields currently lack. Most NFL backfields these days are made up of multiple players, so he could certainly find a role in a different offense.
Take the Chicago Bears, for example. After failing to add an impact back this offseason, they may want to give Demercado a shot. The Minnesota Vikings could look to add a third back alongside Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
In all likelihood, the Cardinals would not be able to get much back for a third-string running back who went undrafted just two years ago. But they could use this asset to fill out depth in some much-needed areas.
Could Demercado get the Cardinals a veteran backup cornerback to fill in for the injured Sean Murphy-Bunting? Or could he be enough to bring in a speedy receiver to open up the offense? It's at least worth making some phone calls.