The Los Angeles Rams have never been afraid to take a shot on a player who fell out of favor elsewhere and they’re doing so again this season. On Monday, the Rams claimed former Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes off waivers. Washington surprisingly cut the 2023 first-round pick on Saturday and the Rams are giving him a fresh start in Los Angeles.
Forbes was the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State but he struggled in his year and a half with the Commanders. He’s played in 20 games and made just seven starts, allowing 46 receptions on 69 targets in the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
By claiming him off waivers, the Rams take on the remainder of his contract, which comes with an average annual salary of $15.4 million per year. His rookie deal runs through 2026, with a fifth-year option in 2027 if the Rams want to pick it up.
Rams claimed former Commanders’ first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on waivers, per source. pic.twitter.com/nyUdfCpgNk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
The Rams could use help at cornerback behind Cobie Durant and Darious Williams, who were the only two corners to play multiple snaps in Sunday’s win over the Saints.
They do have Ahkello Witherspoon, Josh Wallace and Charles Woods on the depth chart, so Forbes will be competing with them for playing time the rest of the season.