Rams claim Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from Commander

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 on the bench in both seasons and missed due to injury.

He was selected by the Commanders’ previous front office and coaching staff, who liked Forbes’ ability to take the ball away. In his career at Mississippi State, he intercepted 14 passes and set a Division I record with six returned touchdowns.

McVay said Forbes was a player the Rams liked coming out of college, praising his ball production, versatility, “competitive toughness at the rim” and good ball skills.

“He was a guy that we liked and were familiar with just based on the evaluation from Mississippi State,” McVay said. “And then I thought there were some good shots that he put out when we were playing them, especially later last year.”

Forbes has a 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.