Rams' Forbes Crucial for Healthy Secondary

0:00On 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

1:02Rams 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.