Rams make decision on Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s 5th-year option for 2027

The Los Angeles Rams have made the decision to decline Emmanuel Forbes' fifth-year option, according to ProFootballTalk. All first-round selections receive prorated contracts, based on the slot they were selected with. Those contracts are fully guaranteed and come with a team option for a fifth season, adding on to their original four-year deal.

Forbes, the 16th overall pick by the Washington Commanders in 2023, needed to have his option decided on by May 1st. Waiting until the last minute, the Rams' decision not to pick up Forbes' option means Forbes will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, while the team avoids paying Forbes a $12.6 million fully guaranteed deal for the 2027 NFL season. The team can still sign him to a new deal before his expires next March.

Forbes was waived by the Washington Commanders in 2024. As Forbes did not have enough NFL seasons under his belt to qualify for free agency, he hit the waiver wire, with the Rams claiming him and picking up his original rookie deal.

Forbes had a redemptive season in 2025, establishing himself as a full-time starter, while recording career highs in tackles and interceptions.

The Rams did add cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason, with both players under contract for at least the next three seasons.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams decline Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s 5th-year option for 2027