Signing cornerback Eli Apple to a one-year, $3 million deal could turn out to be one of the most critical moves the Panthers make in 2020. Apple had a rough season with the Saints in 2019 and this will be his third team in the NFL since getting drafted. However, he’s found an excellent opportunity to prove himself in Carolina.
Here’s what general manager Marty Hurney said when he was asked about Apple in an interview with the Athletic.
“He’s a young, talented corner, and he’s got a very good skill set. I know we’re anxious to get him here in the mix. He’s played in the league for four years. He can run. He’s a very fluid athlete. He’s got the skill set, and we’re anxious to work with him.”
Anxious is an interesting choice of word and it speaks to the situation Apple and the Panthers find themselves in.
James Bradberry, Ross Cockrell and Javien Elliott are all no longer on the roster, so the team’s cornerback depth took a serious hit this offseason and it was never that great to begin with. Before signing Apple, we projected they would put Donte Jackson and rookie Troy Pride Jr. at the outside spots. That’s hardly an ideal starting combination in a division that features at least four of the league’s top 10 wide receivers.
If Apple can correct the coverage issues he showed on the field last season and become a reliable starting outsider corner, then his contract will qualify as a huge steal. If not, this Panthers secondary is likely in for a truly brutal 2020 campaign.
As it turns out, anxious is the perfect word after all.
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