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The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of decisions to make this offseason, but an under-the-radar one will be what L.A. does with Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s fifth-year option.
While the Rams didn't make a first-round pick in 2023, they did claim Forbes Jr. off waivers after the former No. 16 overall pick was released by the Washington Commanders midway through the 2024 season. That means the young cornerback is still bound by his first-round rookie contract and can be retained for a fifth season in 2027 on a fully guaranteed one-year deal.
Would this be something the Rams want to even do, though? Spotrac estimates Forbes Jr.'s option would cost $11.65 million in 2027 once his rookie deal expires after the 2026 season. That's a lot of money to give to a cornerback who's been very hot and cold throughout his career, even as he's developed well with the Rams. This year, at least, Forbes Jr. will only cost the Rams $2.81 million against the salary cap.
This decision will come down to what the Rams do the rest of the offseason. If they spent lavishly at cornerback in free agency (whether it's bringing back some combination of Cobie Durant, Akhello Witherspoon and/or Roger McCreary or adding new players), trade for expensive veterans or draft a few players, then spending $11.65 million on Forbes doesn't make a lot of sense.
However, if the Rams like what they see from Forbes and aren't spending a lot at the position otherwise, it might make some sense to keep him. Currently, that fifth-year option number would rank 27th among cornerbacks heading into the 2026 offseason.
The Rams don't need to decide until May 1, though, which will be after both free agency and the draft.
Forbes had a career-year in his first full season with the Rams. He intercepted three passes, defended 18 passes and tallied 45 combined tackles. However, Forbes allowed a career-worst six touchdowns in 2025 and 14.5 yards per completion against him. He's still only 25, but it will be a toss-up whether or not he sticks around after the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Should the Rams pick up CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s fifth-year option?
Continue reading...
While the Rams didn't make a first-round pick in 2023, they did claim Forbes Jr. off waivers after the former No. 16 overall pick was released by the Washington Commanders midway through the 2024 season. That means the young cornerback is still bound by his first-round rookie contract and can be retained for a fifth season in 2027 on a fully guaranteed one-year deal.
Would this be something the Rams want to even do, though? Spotrac estimates Forbes Jr.'s option would cost $11.65 million in 2027 once his rookie deal expires after the 2026 season. That's a lot of money to give to a cornerback who's been very hot and cold throughout his career, even as he's developed well with the Rams. This year, at least, Forbes Jr. will only cost the Rams $2.81 million against the salary cap.
This decision will come down to what the Rams do the rest of the offseason. If they spent lavishly at cornerback in free agency (whether it's bringing back some combination of Cobie Durant, Akhello Witherspoon and/or Roger McCreary or adding new players), trade for expensive veterans or draft a few players, then spending $11.65 million on Forbes doesn't make a lot of sense.
However, if the Rams like what they see from Forbes and aren't spending a lot at the position otherwise, it might make some sense to keep him. Currently, that fifth-year option number would rank 27th among cornerbacks heading into the 2026 offseason.
The Rams don't need to decide until May 1, though, which will be after both free agency and the draft.
Forbes had a career-year in his first full season with the Rams. He intercepted three passes, defended 18 passes and tallied 45 combined tackles. However, Forbes allowed a career-worst six touchdowns in 2025 and 14.5 yards per completion against him. He's still only 25, but it will be a toss-up whether or not he sticks around after the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Should the Rams pick up CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s fifth-year option?
Continue reading...
