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The surging Washington Commanders could use help at cornerback. The surprising NFC contender has also let teams know that 2023 first-round CB Emmanuel Forbes is available before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

The two statements seem contradictory. They are not. Forbes, chosen as no. 16 overall, struggled mightily in his rookie season under the Ron Rivera regime. The new staff with head coach Dan Quinn has tried to help Forbes find his confidence and his path. No luck so far with the slim corner.

The Mississippi State product was the only player other than backup QB Marcus Mariota not to play a single snap in Washington’s 27-22 win at 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.

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 is almost entirely Benjamin St-Juste, Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene. The trio is part of Washington’s energetic and proven defense. However, Sainristil, a scrappy second-round rookie and natural slot CB, plays out of position and St-Juste is overmatched against opponent No. 1 recipients.

The other rub is that there isn’t a ready substitute or replacement if needed. Veteran Michael Davis is 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 GM Adam Peters, Washington has remained disciplined with a long-term approach 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, there is no sense that Peters has changed his approach to a splashy name.

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