The surging Washington Commanders could use help at cornerback. The surprising NFC contender has also let teams know 2023 first round CB Emmanuel Forbes is available before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Those two statements seem at odds. They are not. Forbes, selected No. 16 overall, struggled mightily during his rookie season under the Ron Rivera regime. The new staff with head coach Dan Quinn have tried helping Forbes find his confidence and his way. No luck so far with the slender corner.
The Mississippi State product was the only player besides backup QB Marcus Mariota not to play a single snap in Washington’s 27-22 win at the New York Giants. This comes after Forbes was a healthy scratch in a Week 6 loss to the Ravens and received six snaps in the “Hail Mary” victory over the Bears in Week.
The 7-2 Commanders are rolling behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. They have improved defensively but concerns at cornerback (and against the run) remain. The rotation is almost exclusively Benjamin St-Juste, Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene. The trio is part of Washington’s energetic and try-hard defense. However, Sainristil, a gritty second-round rookie and natural slot CB, is playing out of position and St-Juste is overmatched against opposing no. 1 receivers.
The other rub is there isn’t a clear replacement or substitute if needed. Veteran Michael Davis is limited to special teams and Forbes has played sparingly. Forbes, the FBS career record holder with six interceptions returned for touchdowns, is under contract through 2026.
Under GM Adam Peters, Washington has remained disciplined with a long-view approach despite turning into an NFC contender. League sources shared that while the Commanders are willing to listen for offers and have let teams know they seek CB help, there is no sense Peters has changed his approach for a splashy name.
Saints’ Marshon Lattimore and the Browns’ Greg Newsome are among names mentioned by sources as possible deadline targets. Both play on contracts beyond 2024 and are set to earn eight figure salaries in 2025, a reality that may preclude Washington from getting in the mix.