Patriots Passed On Opportunity To Add Recent First-Round Pick

The Patriots had an opportunity to make a pretty funny roster move Monday.

Emmanuel Forbes was up for grabs after he was released by the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Forbes was the second cornerback selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick before New England took fellow cover-man Christian Gonzalez at No. 17 overall.

Although Forbes struggled enough for the Commanders to cut ties with him after only one season-plus, it wouldn’t have been a total head-scratcher if the Patriots put in a claim for the Mississippi State product. Jerod Mayo and company could have viewed Forbes as a developmental project at a position that’s become an area of need in Foxboro, Mass.

But the Patriots, who stood fifth in the waiver wire order, chose not to bring in Forbes. Rams head coach Sean McVay on Monday confirmed Los Angeles claimed the 23-year-old amid its push for an NFC playoff spot.

Thus, New England likely will roll with its current corner group for the rest of the season. The unit will have its hands full, too, as the Patriots’ slate of remaining opponents — Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers — also feature offenses that can be tough to stop.