5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' trade for Marshon Lattimore
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 1
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders were willing to give second-year cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. another shot despite his disastrous rookie campaign in 2023. There were some encouraging signs throughout the offseason, but it didn't take long for things to unravel in a competitive setting.
Forbes just doesn't look capable of being physical enough to perform to the level anticipated in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive scheme. Rumors of a potential trade before the deadline came to nothing, but it hints at an increasingly bleak future after the Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore.
The former first-round pick out of Mississippi State is buried down the depth chart following Lattimore's arrival. Forbes was probably not part of the team's long-term vision for the future even before this trade. It's all but confirmed now.
Forbes is the last remaining first-round pick from Ron Rivera's disastrous four-year tenure. That might not be the case for much longer unless the college ballhawk takes a substantial surge forward in the coming weeks.
Winner No. 2
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
This might sound like a strange choice, but Marshon Lattimore's pending arrival could be great news for veteran mainstay Benjamin St-Juste. The former third-round selection never looked comfortable being tasked with covering the opposition's most accomplished wide receiver. Now, he doesn't have to.
St-Juste will likely become a complementary option on the other side of Lattimore, with rookie Mike Sainristil moving back into his preferred nickel role. NFL passing attacks have more than one productive wideout these days. However, this makes life a lot easier for the former third-round pick out of Minnesota.
Considering this is also a contract year for St-Juste, it could also enhance his chances of getting a new deal. There are still too many penalties being conceded by the player in critical moments. But the more comfortable he becomes without the pressure of guarding No. 1 options, the better his chances will be.
It could go either way for St-Juste. Taking some of the heat off with this marquee addition might just be the best thing that ever happens to him when it's all said and done.