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Commanders Release First-Round Pick From Last Year's Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Nov 30, 2024 4:44 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are in prime position for a spot in the NFC playoffs this season, and they're looking to get back into the win column after last week's shocking loss to the Dallas Cowboys, their third consecutive loss this season.

The Commanders will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but they'll do so without one player who they used a first-round pick to select in the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to CBS Sports NFL reporter Jonathan Jones, the Commanders have elected to waive cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. less than two seasons into his tenure with the team.

The Commanders took Forbes with the 16th overall pick last year. He was considered one of the best defensive backs in the NFL Draft last year due to his career at Mississippi State. Forbes was a former All-American and All-SEC honoree, but he struggled heavily in each of his first two NFL seasons.

Washington had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last year, and Forbes was benched after a particularly poor performance against Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore.

This season, Forbes missed a few games near the start of the year due to a torn ligament in his thumb, but he failed to make an impact after his return to the active roster.

The Commanders made a midseason trade for former Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore this season, putting Forbes further down an already crowded secondary depth chart.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #13 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)Rich Storry/Getty Images

Now, it appears that the Commanders have decided to part ways with Forbes after his numerous early career struggles.

The Commanders will look to move to 8-5 this week as they try to keep pace with the rest of the NFC. As things currently stand, the Commanders would be the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, setting up another game against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

Other teams around the playoff line in the NFC include the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams.

We'll see where Forbes ends up after being released by the Commanders, and if Washington can end their three-game losing streak against the Tennessee Titans at home on Sunday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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