Eli Apple Fantasy

The Cincinnati Bengals signed free-agent cornerback Eli Apple to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to a source. Apple was a former first-round pick out of Ohio State by the New York Giants in 2016. He was later traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and also played for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Injuries limited Apple to just two games. In 57 career NFL games, he has 219 tackles and three interceptions. In Cincinnati he'll be reunited with former Ohio State teammate Vonn Bell, who is the team's starting safety. Apple is entering his age-26 season and has 48 total games of starting experience, but he's mostly been a bust as the No. 10 overall pick back in 2016.

Mar. 24th • 3:18 PM

Cornerback Eli Apple was released by the Panthers on Tuesday after logging 28 defensive snaps during Sunday's loss to New Orleans. Apple made just four tackles over the course of two games with the Panthers, but the team is already set to move on from the former starter, who has spent the four previous years with the Saints and Giants. Injuries have scuttled Apple's performance and availability in 2020, with the team opting for other in-house options moving forward. The Panthers Defense is a middling season-long fantasy option due to their limited nature in accruing sacks (six in seven games), even as they have racked up 10 turnovers in that span. The release of Apple gives little reason for fantasy managers to change their tune about the unit, but the former No. 10 overall pick should likely find a landing spot in the near future.

Oct. 27th • 6:17 PM

The Carolina Panthers are activating cornerback Eli Apple (ankle, foot) from the Injured Reserve on Saturday, and the former Giants and Saints corner will make his debut for the team in Week 4 against the Cardinals, according to a source. The four-year veteran and former first-round pick should bring valued experience and depth to one of the youngest defenses in the league, but the Panthers Defense should still remain off all fantasy rosters for the time being, especially against a strong Cardinals offense this week. In a corresponding move for Apple, the Panthers are waiving defensive end Shareef Miller, but he's likely to be re-signed to the practice squad.

Oct. 3rd • 11:51 AM