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Sarah Barshop, ESPN writer
The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from the Washington Commanders, head coach Sean McVay said Monday.
Forbes, the No. 16 pick in 2023, was cut by the Commanders on Saturday. He started seven games in two seasons, but only one in 2024. He was benched in both seasons and missed time due to injury.
He was selected by the Commanders’ previous management and coaching staff who liked that Forbes was adept at taking the ball away from them. He intercepted 14 passes in his Mississippi State career, setting a Division I record with six returned for touchdowns.
McVay said Forbes was a player the Rams liked coming out of college, praising his ball production, versatility, “competitive toughness on the edge” and good ball skills.
“He was a guy we liked and were familiar with just because of the evaluation that came out of Mississippi State,” McVay said. “And then I thought there was a good tape that he had put out when we faced them, particularly at the end of last year.”
Forbes is under contract through 2026 with a fifth-year option in 2027 that the Rams can exercise.
In two seasons, Forbes has two interceptions and 45 tackles in 20 games.
ESPN’s John Keim contributed to this report.
