Rams' Forbes Crucial for Healthy Secondary

On May 2nd, the Los Angeles Rams just declined the fifth year option on cornerback

Emanuel Forbes, which would have cost him $12.6 million fully guaranteed for the

2027 season. But don't get it twisted, they're still banking on this 2023

first-round pick from the Washington commanders as a vital depth.

Peace heading into 2026. Earlier this week, the Rams beefed up their

secondary by trading for starters, Trent McDuffy and Jalen Watson from the Kansas

City Chiefs. McDuffy's got a slight frame and a spotty injury history, only

topping 1,000 snaps in two of his four pro seasons, including a rough two.

1025. Watson's never hit that snap mark either, thanks to a broken ankle in

2024 and a rotational role early on. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the

risks here, especially with the Rams eyeing a Super Bowl run. One injury to

those new guys and Forbes slides right into the starting lineup. His role could

make or break their past defense in a grueling 17-game slate. Meanwhile, the

Rams are paying Watson big to lock down as an every-down corner, but his track

record screams projection. Pair that with McDuffy's durability questions and

Forbes becomes the reliable third option they can ignore. Bottom line, even

without that long-term commitment, the Rams need Forbes to step up big this year

if their secondary stays healthy or not.