Could Eli Apple help the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

Could the Carolina Panthers benefit from signing free-agent cornerback Eli Apple?

The Carolina Panthers could use a veteran cornerback to boost their options in 2020. If they choose to go in this direction, then it will need to be a cheap option given their lack of funds.

There are still some notable free-agents available on the market, which is unusual for this time of year. One name that jumps off the board is Eli Apple, who plied his trade in the NFC South last season with the New Orleans Saints.

Apple almost joined the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in free agency. But the move fell through after terms could not be finalized. Offers have been few and far between since. Which could mean the player is willing to accept a little less than the $6 million a year he was reportedly looking for.

This seems to be an area where the Panthers do need some more options. They are heading into training camp with Donte Jackson, Corn Elder, and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. fighting for the starting positions. The organization does have the option of using second-rounder Jeremy Chinn as their slot cornerback. But more will be needed if Carolina doesn’t want this important area of the field to become a weak point.

There is no need for the Panthers to commit anything long-term regarding a veteran cornerback. They did not spend big money on the defensive side of the ball during the initial free-agent period. And Carolina has even less to work with at the present time.

The closer it gets to training camp around the NFL, the less chance Apple has of making a 53-man roster by week one. This might actually work in the Panthers’ favor if they wanted to pursue someone like the former first-round pick. And he would have a better chance of starting in Carolina that he would at most other NFL teams.

Could Eli Apple help the Carolina Panthers?

Eli Apple might have gone through his fair share of struggles during his time with the Saints. But he does bring a lot to the table and would be a good addition to the Carolina Panthers if the price is right.

The cornerback was targeted 68 times last season and gave up 43 receptions. He was often picked as the weak link in the Saints’ defense by opposing quarterbacks. And this is something that he struggled to cope with.

Apple eventually finished the season with 53 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and four pass deflections from 15 regular-season outings. With most teams consolidating with what they have during this stage of the offseason, he is either going to take lower money on a prove-it deal or bide his time until someone inevitably gets hurt in the preseason.

Another problem Apple might face is the number of other notable free-agents operating at the position. The likes of Logan Ryan, Dre Kirkpatrick, Trumaine Johnson, and Darqueze Dennard are all on the market. So even if a starting spot did become available it might not result in an offer.

This seems like a win-win situation for Apple and the Panthers. If the franchise can get the player on a cheap deal loaded with incentives then it might be an option worth considering. It would also give the corner an opportunity to prove he still has what it takes with a view to earning a longer deal in Carolina or somewhere else.