Carolina Panthers addressed one of their biggest roster needs on Thursday by signing veteran cornerback Eli Apple. According to the team’s official statement, Apple inked a one-year deal. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed.
Apple joins Panthers after he previously had a deal in place with Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old CB signed with Raiders early in the free agency but the deal ultimately fell through due to unknown reasons.
Panthers were in a search for a veteran corner for some time now, with the team’s general manager Marty Hurney admitting to media that addressing this position is one of their priorities. After exploring several options, they opted for Apple, who most recently played for their division rivals New Orleans Saints.
Apple is expected to be a prominent contributor to the Panthers in 2020 as he joins last year’s starter Donte Jackson, veteran Corn Elder and rookies Troy Price Jr. and Stanley Thomas-Oliver.
Eli Apple started his professional career with the New York Giants, who took him 10th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite showing flashes of great potential in New York, Apple was often inconsistent, and the Giants decided to trade him to the Saints in 2018.
Apple had a successful first year in New Orleans, contributing with 52 tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions in just ten games. Last season, however, he struggled to make an impact, and the Saints eventually decided to let him walk in March.
