Two games, 34 snaps, and four tackles will be cornerback Eli Apple’s final tally in Carolina Panthers’ jersey.
Panthers announced on Tuesday that they have released Apple, moving on from the 25-year-old cornerback just five months after they signed him to a one-year, $3 million deal.
Carolina’s decision is most likely prompted by Apple’s struggles with injuries, which followed him for most of his stint with the organization. He spent time on Injured Reserve with ankle and foot issues early in the season while dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
Also, Panthers are well covered on the position, with third-year corner Donte Jackson and rookie Troy Pride Jr. expected to take the starting positions. Veteran Corn Elder and 2020’s seventh-round pick Stanley Thomas-Oliver III will be backups, while offseason acquisition Rasul Douglas is expected to be in the mix as well after he returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Eli Apple was predicted a bright future in the NFL after spectacular performances at Ohio State, which prompted NY Giants to take him No.10 in the 2016 draft. But Apple never managed to live up to the expectations and was too often inconsistent while playing with Giants.
Giants eventually traded Apple to New Orleans Saints in 2019, where he performed a lot better but still not enough to warrant a new deal.
After a failed stint with Panthers, Apple will now have to prove himself once again if he wants to have even a close of a career he was predicted before.
