ESPN Floats Former First-Round Cornerback to Lions in Potential Trade Deadline Deal
Detroit Lions could solve need at cornerback by trading for Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fowler noted combination of Lions being active in cornerback talks and Rams having depth in room could lead to deal between NFC rival contenders.
“He lost his starting spot to additions Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and perhaps he has untapped ability as a rangy 2023 first-round pick who has shown glimpses in Los Angeles,” wrote Fowler. “The Lions are among teams looking for corner help.”
Forbes is in last year of rookie deal. Team already declined his fifth-year option. So trade could make sense.
Who is Emmanuel Forbes Jr:
Former first-round pick who went 16th overall in 2023 — drafted ahead of Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. So potential is there if he can reach it.
Drafted by Washington Commanders and only lasted one year and six weeks into year two. Rams claimed him in 2024, but he did not play much. However Forbes wound up playing in all 17 games and made 14 starts in Rams’ playoff run in 2025. This year, he has rotated in as depth and started when injuries occurred.
Overall, he has 1,671 career snaps, with 899 coming last year and 130 played this season. Still, he has small frame, and Rams not interested in extending him. Lions could take swing on fourth-year cornerback.
Lions Have Needs at CB Entering Deadline:
Lions have serious need at cornerback entering deadline. Currently shuffling five different names. D.J. Reed starting outside. Roger McCreary starts in slot, but lack of options on outside has him playing two spots.
When McCreary plays slot, they have had three different options. First, Rock Ya-Sin for two weeks. Then, Ennis Rakestraw for three games after that. Now, Khalil Dorsey has taken reins over past two weeks.
Rakestraw mixed in Week 7, Ya-Sin saw snaps Weeks 7-8. Detroit halfway through season, appear to have no plans to adjust current plan at CB. They are going to need to add someone who can come in and start, or at least make rotation cleaner. Forbes is in rotation and rotated into lineup for Rams in playoffs last year.
Plus, if he can find right fit, he could be trusted starter moving forward. Lions should look into trade for Forbes. Trade deadline is next Tuesday, November 10, at 4 PM EST.
Note: This is separate from ESPN Bill Barnwell’s other Lions bargain target — Falcons CB Mike Hughes (former Lions 2022) — also floated Nov 5.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
