The Patriots have an opportunity to do something extremely funny.
The Washington Commanders waived former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting the young cornerback loose less than two seasons into his tenure in Landover, Md.
Forbes, of course, was selected with the No. 16 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, just one pick prior to New England’s impeccable selection of fellow cornerback Christian Gonzalez at No. 17. The Patriots obviously made out in that series of events, but now there’s a chance they can add insult to… insult.
It’s probably a long shot, but they should make a run at it.
Washington made four consecutive blunders in the first round by taking defensive end Chase Young, linebacker Jamin Davis, wide receiver Jahan Dotson and Forbes in back-to-back-to-back-to-back years — only to trade or release all four. The Patriots’ selection of Gonzalez might seem lucky, but it came after they traded back, knowing how much the Commanders valued Forbes.
Forbes just happened to be horrific, as he started only seven games in two seasons and played in only six games this year with one start. Washington benched him both years, though he also suffered from various injuries that sidelined him on different occasions.
The Patriots are the perfect team to try and tap into the potential that Forbes showed during his time at Mississippi State… because they have nothing to lose.
New England has made it abundantly clear in recent weeks that it’ll put an emphasis on the future, but that doesn’t mean outside moves won’t be warranted. Forbes showed a propensity for taking the ball away in college, intercepting 14 passes in his career and setting an FBS record with six returned for a touchdown, and could immediately jump in as a package option on the outside.
Marcus Jones and Jonathan Jones both have struggled on the outside this season, so adding size (Forbes is 6-foot) might be a priority for the secondary moving forward.
The Patriots have an eye on the future, and there’s an option to upgrade their young talent staring them right in the face.
