The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with Brashard Smith.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seattle Sports Radio on Thursday that running back Zach Charbonnet's (knee) ACL surgery "went very well," and his "outlook is good." Schneider wouldn't provide a timeline for Charbonnet's recovery or a timetable for when he might be able to resume football activities. The 25-year-old tore the ACL in his knee during the Divisional Round win against the San Francisco 49ers, so given the timing of the injury, it wouldn't be realistic to expect Charbonnet to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Typically, recovery from a torn ACL takes anywhere from eight to 12 months. Seattle's backfield is thin because of Charb's injury, and with Kenneth Walker III signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. If Charbonnet isn't ready in early September, the Seahawks could pair a rookie RB with both George Holani and newcomer Emanuel Wilson. Charbonnet's 2026 fantasy value is probably going to take a pretty big hit because of his injury, but when he's finally healthy, he could have a clear path to being the RB1.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider praised running back George Holani on Seattle Sports radio on Thursday, so it sounds like Holani will have a bigger role in 2026, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, and there's a good chance Zach Charbonnet (knee) won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall after tearing his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks added former Green Bay Packers RB Emanuel Wilson in free agency for more backfield depth, but if Charbonnet isn't ready for Week 1 in September, Holani could be Seattle's RB1, depending on what they do in the upcoming NFL draft in April. The 26-year-old mostly worked on special teams in 11 regular-season games in 2025, carrying the ball only 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown and catching both of his targets for 15 yards. Most likely, the Seahawks will pair a rookie RB with Holani and Wilson to begin next season while they wait for Charbonnet to heal.

New England Patriots new offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps) expects to be fully cleared for the start of organized team activities this spring, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Vera-Tucker said he plans to be a full participant in the voluntary offseason program that begins on April 20, too. The 26-year-old offensive lineman signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Patriots earlier this week after spending the first four years of his career with the New York Jets. Vera-Tucker was selected with the 14th overall pick in 2021 out of USC. He has started all 43 of the games he's appeared in over the first four years of his career in the NFL, and he's expected to be New England's starting left guard to begin the 2026 regular season this fall.