Rams Decline Fifth Year Option For Defender

May 3, 2026 - 20:51

The Los Angeles Rams have decided not to pick up the fifth-year option on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, a move that comes after the team invested heavily in its secondary during the offseason. Forbes, who was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, will now be eligible for free agency after the 2025 season rather than being locked in through 2026.

The decision was widely expected after the Rams signed veteran cornerbacks and allocated significant salary cap space to revamp their defensive backfield. Forbes has struggled to find consistency since entering the league, dealing with injuries and being targeted frequently in coverage. While he showed flashes of playmaking ability in college, his transition to the professional level has been uneven.

By declining the option, the Rams avoid committing a guaranteed salary of roughly $12 million for the 2026 season. This gives the team financial flexibility and puts pressure on Forbes to prove he can be a reliable starter in the upcoming year. If he performs well, the Rams could still negotiate a long-term extension or let him test the market. For now, the move signals that the front office is not fully sold on his long-term fit with the team.