The Los Angeles Rams’ major offseason swing has overshadowed what had been a lingering matter for Emmanuel Forbes.
Forbes received a critical update on Friday. He was the 16th overall pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2023 draft. He lasted one full season in Washington before the Commanders waived him. That allowed the Rams to put in and win a claim.
Now, though, Forbes is almost certainly auditioning for his next team.
Rams Make Critical Decision on Emmanuel Forbes
GettyThe Los Angeles Rams have made their final decision on Emmanuel Forbes’ fifth-year option.
Forbes, who turned 25 in January, started 14 games for the Rams. He played in all 17 contests during the regular season. However, his playing time dwindled in the postseason, seemingly leaving the writing on the wall.
“The Rams declined the fifth-year option on the contract of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, according to the NFL’s personnel notice,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported in an article on May 1. “The move was expected, as exercising the option would have fully guaranteed Forbes $12.6 million in 2027.
“Forbes … did not start the final two postseason games, playing only a total of 29 defensive snaps against the Bears and Seahawks.”
May 1 was the deadline for option decisions.
🎙️ DC Chris Shula on CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
The Rams’ decision seemed like a foregone conclusion after their other offseason moves.
“Los Angeles made this position its sole focus in free agency, signing big deals for [Trent] McDuffie and [Jaylen] Watson, who will man the outside spots with physicality and championship pedigree,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote on May 1. “It moves Forbes into a third cornerback spot, where his athleticism and playmaking can still have a role but where he’ll be counted on less to hold up physically.”
That puts Forbes in a difficult situation. He must prove his value. However, he also faces a reduced role than the one that he gained through overcoming struggles he endured on the field earlier in his career.
He finished the 2025 season ranked third among the Rams’ corners in opponent completion percentage allowed, facing 76 targets, per Pro Football Reference.
Only six players were targeted as often and allowed a lower percentage, per Stathead.
Emmanuel Forbes Part of Troubling Draft Trend
GettyLos Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is the latest 2023 NFL Draft pick to see their option declined.
The Rams’ decision on Forbes follows the exits of Ahkello Witherspoon (Commanders) and Cobie Durant (Dallas Cowboys). Super Bowl champion Darious Williams also retired from the NFL this offseason.
It also follows a disappointing trend.
“Forbes is one of five players drafted in the first round in 2023 to have his fifth-year option declined,” Florio wrote.
Moreover, only two of the top 32 selections from Forbes’ 2023 draft class–wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans–have signed contract extensions so far.
Several others are in or plan to hold talks soon, though, per ESPN’s live tracker.
Forbes will play out the final season of his four-year, $15.4 million rookie-scale contract. He will count $2.8 million on the Rams’ books.
In addition to Forbes, McDuffie, and Watson, the Rams also have former undrafted free agents Alex Johnson, Cam Lampkin, and Josh Wallace. They also have rookie UDFAs Al’zillion Hamilton, Drey Norwood, and Nyzier Fourqurean heading into their offseason program.
Rams Finalize Contract Decision on Former Commanders 1st-Round Draft Pick