Rams Decline Fifth Year Option For Defender

The Los Angeles Rams made the decision to decline cornerback Emmanuel Forbes’ fifth-year option after the team spent big money on the secondary.

The Rams’ two biggest offseason moves were aimed at helping the backline, with a big trade for star corner Trent McDuffie and the signing of Jaylen Watson.

The two former Chiefs are brought in to give Los Angeles more depth and quality at cornerback, bumping down a player like Forbes into a role the team is more comfortable with.

Forbes’ fifth-year option was worth $12.6 million, a high price for a corner who has never lived up to his first-round draft pick status.

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (1) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Rams picked up Forbes from the waiver wire after he was cut from the Washington Commanders after just one year and change.

While Forbes has been serviceable with the Rams, he has not been nearly good enough to warrant that high price tag.

The cornerback ranked 93rd out of 114 qualified cornerbacks last season per PFF, and he was credited with 16 missed tackles, good for the third most in the NFL.

However, he has made some plays and, in a depleted secondary, has held down a regular spot in the rotation.

Now, Forbes gets the chance to really cement himself as a valuable piece for a contending team without being asked to do too much.

He will figure into certain packages and give either Watson or McDuffie a breather when needed, still giving him chances to earn himself a noteworthy deal in free agency, or at the very least, establish himself as an NFL player.

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