Needing help at cornerback, the Los Angeles Rams took a chance on Emmanuel Forbes when they claimed him off waivers on Monday. Forbes, the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft, was waived by the Washington Commanders this weekend after less than two seasons but the Rams see some potential in him despite his struggles up to this point.
Forbes wasn’t a free agent so he couldn’t pick his next team, and because he was claimed off waivers, he’ll keep his current contract as a member of the Rams. That means Los Angeles takes on the remainder of his rookie deal signed with the Commanders, which runs through the 2026 season.
The salary cap impact is minimal this year but Forbes still has $5.4 million fully guaranteed on his deal through 2026. Below are the full details of Forbes’ remaining contract with the Rams, including his base salaries and cap hits for the next two years (via Over The Cap).
One of the benefits that comes with claiming Forbes is the fifth-year option. As a first-round pick, Forbes has a fifth-year option built into his rookie contract, which gives the Rams an extra year of control if they want to keep him on the team in 2027.
They’ll have to exercise that option before the 2026 season, and the cost will be significantly higher than his current salary. Assuming he doesn’t make a Pro Bowl or earn playtime bonuses, his fifth-year option will be an average of the third to 25th-highest salaries among cornerbacks in 2027.
That might be too expensive for the Rams’ liking but if he plays well in Los Angeles, it’ll be worth considering.