The rising Washington Commanders could use help at cornerback. The surprise NFC prospect also informed teams that 2023 first-round pick CB Emmanuel Forbes is available ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

These two statements seem to be at odds. They’re not. Forbes, ranked No. 16 overall, struggled mightily during his rookie season under Ron Rivera’s regime. The new staff with head coach Dan Quinn has tried to help Forbes find his confidence and his way. So far no luck with the slim corner.

The Mississippi State product was the only player besides backup QB Marcus Mariota not to play a single second in Washington’s 27-22 win over the New York Giants. This comes after Forbes was a healthy scratch in a Week 6 loss to the Ravens and received six snaps in the Hail Mary win over the Bears in Week 1.

The 7-2 Commanders are rolling behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. They have improved defensively, but concerns at cornerback (and against the run) remain. The rotation consists almost exclusively of Benjamin St-Juste, Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene. The trio is part of Washington’s energetic and tenacious defense. However, Sainristil, a rugged second-round rookie and natural slot CB, plays out of position and St-Juste is outmatched against opponent number one. 1 recipients.

The other problem is that there is no obvious replacement or substitution, if necessary. Veteran Michael Davis has been limited to special teams and Forbes has played sparingly. Forbes, the FBS career record holder with six interceptions returned for touchdowns, is under contract through 2026.

Under General Manager Adam Peters, Washington has remained disciplined with a long-term vision despite becoming an NFC contender. League sources shared that while the Commanders are willing to listen to offers and have let teams know they are looking for CB help, it doesn’t make sense that Peters has changed his approach for a splashy name.

Marshon Lattimore of the Saints and Greg Newsome of the Browns are among the names mentioned by sources as possible deadline targets. Both are playing on contracts beyond 2024 and will earn eight-figure salaries in 2025, a reality that could keep Washington from entering the mix.