Former Commanders' 1st-round pick sounds off after beating Washington

Emmanuel Forbes returned to Northwest Stadium on Sunday for the first time since the Washington Commanders waived him on Nov. 30, 2024. Forbes, whom the Los Angeles Rams claimed off waivers in Dec. 2024, has mostly been a reserve cornerback this season for L.A., but he started Sunday’s game with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson injured. Forbes finished Sunday’s game with six tackles, including one for loss, marking what was likely his first time hitting someone at Northwest Stadium. Forbes, who the Commanders picked No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, got the last laugh on Sunday, as Los Angeles defeated Washington 20-13. After the game, the former Commanders’ first-round pick shared his feelings about beating the team that drafted him. “Yeah I had this one circled,” Forbes said. “I was motivated to play them guys. They let me go two years ago, and I was just ready to go out there and show myself what I got.” Most players have these types of games circled. Beating the team that drafted you is always important. That’s no surprise. But without Washington, Forbes would’ve never been a first-round pick or landed the initial contract he did. Forbes was reportedly jawing with Washington fans during the game. While his final numbers were excellent, he was beaten for a touchdown and allowed Van Jefferson to get behind him late, but the ball was underthrown. Still, on Sunday, he gets the last laugh. As far as him being upset about how he was treated in D.C., it’s simple. He stunk. The staff that drafted him felt he was unplayable only months after picking him. The next staff gave him a chance and waived him before the end of the year despite desperately needing cornerbacks. In summation: In two years with Washington, two coaching staffs gave up on him. That says more about the player than the team. The good news for Forbes is he landed in a good place, and he's still only 25.