Over 1,100 players were dropped from NFL rosters on Sunday as teams whittled their training camp rosters down to 53-man size for the regular season. Younger players, those with fewer than four accrued seasons of service, hit the waiver wire. There, teams could simply submit a claim to add them; like in the draft, the worst teams get first crack.
The Cowboys made one addition via waivers on Monday and saw two of their just-cut players picked up by new teams.
Dallas was successful in their claim for running back Emari Demercado, who spent this summer with the Chiefs. A product of hometown TCU, Demercado went undrafted in 2023 but signed with the Cardinals that spring. The 5-foot-9 215-pounder appeared in 40 games for Arizona over the next three
seasons, compiling 819 yards on 126 carries and scoring three rushing touchdowns for an impressive career average of 6.5 yards per attempt. As a receiver, he added 324 yards and a score on 50 catches.
Cowboys fans may remember Demercado from a much-talked-about moment just last season. About to score at the end of a 72-yard run in a Week 5 game versus Tennessee, he dropped the ball prior to crossing the goal line, resulting in a touchback for the Titans. Cameras then captured Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon chewing out Demercado and seemingly making physical contact with the running back on the sideline.
ESPN reporting the #AZCardinals are fining head coach Jonathan Gannon $100K for his sideline exchange with RB Emari Demercado.
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) October 7, 2025
Gannon apologized to Demercado and the team yesterday... and said Demercado wouldn't face any punishment for dropping the ball before the end zone.… pic.twitter.com/lwqgPfo7Zz
The Cardinals went on to lose that game. Gannon said he issued an apology to Demercado and was then fined by the organization ahead of what turned out to be Demercado's (and Gannon's) final year with the club.
The California native found himself in a crowded running back room in Kansas City this summer, fighting for reps alongside second-year man Brashard Smith and rookie Emmett Johnson. His dismissal by the Chiefs came as something of a surprise to some analysts, with his experience and blocking being noteworthy.
In Dallas, Demercado will slot in behind Javonte Williams and Malik Davis (plus fullback Hunter Luepke). The team waived Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda, and Jashaun Corbin on Sunday.
Demercado's addition will also reunite him with Klayton Adams, the Cowboys offensive coordinator who served as O-line coach for the Cardinals during Demercado's first two seasons there.
The Cowboys did not immediately announce which of their players was dropped from the roster to make room for Demercado.
Of the Cowboys' other Sunday cuts, safety Julius Wood was claimed by Miami. Offensive lineman Trevor Keegan will head to Minnesota. Both had been contenders to make the practice squad in Dallas had they cleared waivers.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys claim veteran RB off waivers; see DB, OL cuts picked up by new teams
