Story by
Jeremy Fowler Says Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Has Untapped Ability With the Lions Hunting a Corner
- Story by
- Jeremy Fowler Says Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Has Untapped Ability With the Lions Hunting a Corner
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. didn't do much wrong to lose his job. The Rams brought in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and the 2023 first-round pick slid down the depth chart behind them. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler named Forbes as the Rams player who could move in the network's deadline preview for all 32 teams , calling him a rangy corner who may have untapped ability after showing glimpses in Los Angeles.
Fowler also pointed to one buyer by name. The Lions are among the teams looking for cornerback help, and Detroit's secondary has gotten thinner by the week, with Kerby Joseph ruled out against the Dolphins this weekend.
Advertisement
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has played well in a small role
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Wesley Bailey (47) and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (1) tackle Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Forbes has played 130 defensive snaps this season, 110 of them in coverage, according to PFF . He has allowed eight catches with one pass breakup and a 77.6 passer rating allowed, and his 79.9 coverage grade is a strong number for a player who lost his starting spot.
The sample is small, but it's the best stretch of a career that started badly in Washington. The Rams claimed him off waivers from the Commanders in December 2024, then declined his fifth-year option this spring, so he's headed for free agency in March.
Advertisement
Why a Forbes deal makes sense for the Rams
Sean McVay told reporters the Rams don't plan to add from outside before the deadline and view the players returning from injury as their reinforcements, which matches the team's reason for optimism at 4-4. ESPN's Sarah Barshop noted Los Angeles holds only four 2027 draft picks.
The cap tells the rest of it. The Rams have $8,001 in cap space, according to Over the Cap , and Forbes carries a $2.85 million cap hit. Moving him for a late pick would add to a thin 2027 class and give the front office a little room if the analysts calling for a receiver, like the one who said a deal is required to contend , turn out to be right.
Advertisement
Detroit has the draft capital to make it work, with 10 projected picks in 2027, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. The Lions have also been linked to Eagles corner Riq Woolen , so Forbes would be the cheaper option, a rangy 25-year-old for a team that needs bodies on the outside right now.
More on the Los Angeles Rams
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
