Former Commanders flop could face more brutal rejection amid trade buzz

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s time with the Washington Commanders was an unmitigated disaster. Previous head coach Ron Rivera earmarked the cornerback as his choice at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft from a long way out. It ended up being the final embarrassment of his prospect analysis.

And now, one significant trade rumor could give him a mountain to climb in a different environment.

The Commanders ended their experiment with Forbes way ahead of time. He was outmatched physically during his catastrophic rookie campaign. The former Mississippi State standout made the roster under head coach Dan Quinn, but the same problems continued when tasked with responsibilities on the defensive rotation.

Forbes went to the fringes and was eventually waived. The Los Angeles Rams picked him up, believing there was something to mold. Although he didn't see much time on the field upon his arrival, he's getting another shot to prove his worth this summer.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. could face more heartache just months after hasty Commanders exit

A notable development threatens to alter Forbes' course considerably. Jeremy Fowler from ESPN named the Rams as a potential candidate to secure the services of All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins. He won a Super Bowl in Los Angeles, so the connection is obvious. Whether something concrete emerges from this speculation is another matter.

If the former first-round pick out of Florida State ended up back with the Rams, that wouldn't bode well for Forbes. He's already pretty far down the pecking order despite Los Angeles needing more at the cornerback spot. Ramsey's accomplished production and star power would instantly demote the defensive back further.

Rivera placed way too much faith in Forbes. Choosing him over Christian Gonzalez was one of many gambles that backfired spectacularly. Fortunately, the Commanders are being run with much more professional purpose, with Adam Peters and Lance Newmark leading the charge. And the early returns speak for themselves.

Forbes should be under no illusions. His inner belief remains, confident he can become more influential with a full offseason to immerse himself in the Rams' defensive strategy. However, there long road and a lot of hard work ahead before the narrative changes.

If the Rams secure Ramsey's services, all bets are off. And that might be the final nail in Forbes' proverbial career coffin.