The Saints and Panthers may fight for former draft bust cornerback, Emmanuel Forbes in a trade this season. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Forbes could be one of the trade candidates that may become available. The Washington Commanders have one of the best seasons sitting at 4-2, since drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels and building a new regime under head coach Dann Quinn. The team already has a few extra draft picks under their sleeve after trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson and defensive tackle John Ridgeway.
However, the team will likely move on from Forbes due to not only getting some draft capital but he’s been underperforming. Originally selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Mississippi State product was hoping to establish itself under the Ron Rivera era but the team gave up on him. Forbes has some issues with size but the Commanders were hoping that wouldn’t be an issue. After playing 72 defensive snaps since returning from his injury, Forbes doesn’t look like he’ll stay around much longer in Quinn’s defense.
He might be better off playing for a roster that fits his scheme even though the Commanders aren’t looking to tank. The team still has a winning record and things are going upwards for them but the only thing that could be stopping them in their secondary is Forbes. It’s unusual for a team to give up on a player after their second year in the NFL but it could be possible this season.
Desperate Saints, Panthers May Fight For Former Draft Bust Emmanuel Forbes in Trade
Emergency Secondary Help
The Saints already have one of the worst offenses this year after losing Derek Carr, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It’s fair to say this team’s season is over since losing a brutal injury battle against Denver. Paulson Adebo is out for the season and the Saints will likely put Marshon Lattimore on the trading block since they’ll likely tank this year. However, there are still a lot of jobs on the line, especially Dennis Allen who was already on the hot seat entering the 2024 campaign.
Adebo’s injury is a prime example of how quickly you can lose depth. Second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry will have large shoes to fill but Lattimore will probably move on from New Orleans after the season. However, Forbes may be struggling but the Saints could take a chance on him on a low-risk offer. New Orleans wouldn’t lose anything if they took this chance as it wouldn’t be the biggest move but it could be one to ensure the future of this football team.
Building for 2025
This Carolina season is over even though they’re attempting to revive it after benching Bryce Young. The Panthers hoped to sign Stephon Gilmore who is thriving now in Minnesota’s defense but failed to reach a money agreement. Jaycee Horn has a strong history of injuries but he’s alone in the secondary with no help as he’s the only experienced player in that secondary. The Panthers were allowing too many points on the board and their secondary woes were revealing since every game they lost was a blowout.
Dave Canales was too busy building a strong supporting cast for Young but things are going left in that plan. However, since they didn’t do much to help the defense except for signing Jadeveon Clowney, the Panthers could give Forbes a chance to build for the future. He might not be the most exciting player in the NFL but a scenery change could bring out the best football in him.
