3 players the Commanders should shop before 2024 trade deadline

Commanders could shop Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. came into the Washington Commanders with high expectations on his shoulders. The cornerback became the center of Ron Rivera's attention during his final draft as the primary decision-maker in 2023. Even when Christian Gonzalez - a much more accomplished prospect based on athletic build and college production - fell into his lap, his conviction in the player never wavered.

This was the latest in a series of immense disappointments where Rivera's draft picks are concerned. Forbes' rookie campaign was a catastrophe and things haven't looked much better under the new regime. The fact he wasn't trusted to suit up in Week 6 during Washington's pivotal clash with the Baltimore Ravens spoke volumes.

Dan Quinn stated this was to place another defensive tackle on the squad to counteract the supreme threat posed by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. But the fact Forbes wasn't active over the likes of Mike Davis and Noah Igbinoghene is a damning indictment of his development.

Some fans want to see Forbes get an extended run despite the obvious concerns that could arise. Others see the former Mississippi State standout as a lost cause and are calling for general manager Adam Peters to try and maximize his value while the is still something left.

Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive scheme relies a lot on man coverage. Forbes is incapable of doing this effectively due to his lack of size and poor tackling. That's a dangerous combination that's been exposed almost constantly since he entered the league.

Peters has shown no problem disposing of Rivera draft picks who aren't part of the team's long-term plans. He's also a shrewd negotiator as demonstrated by the compensation received for wideout Jahan Dotson.

There might be a team that wants to take a chance on Forbes, seeing him as a reclamation project to salvage in a scheme better suited to his strengths. It wouldn't hurt Peters to instruct the player's representatives to gauge interest from elsewhere based on how things have unfolded up to now.

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