3 ways that Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
How can free-agent signing Eli Apple help the Carolina Panthers in 2020?
The Carolina Panthers made the smart move to bring in free-agent cornerback Eli Apple. This solves an area of need for the franchise ahead of a potential return to minicamp next month.
Apple is an intriguing short-term option that has a good chance of making an instant impact. He spent last season with the New Orleans Saints and should slot into the rotation instantly with the Carolina Panthers.
While there could be another veteran corner to come in and compete for a place on the 53-man roster during training camp. Apple will be tasked with bolstering a secondary that was among the worst in the NFL in 2019.
What salary Apple receives from the Panthers will be an interesting element to his signature. The player reportedly agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason for $6 million a year. But the agreement fell through at the last minute.
The Panthers are not in any position to give Apple that sort of commitment given their cap constraints. It is more likely he has been given a low base contract that is loaded with incentives.
There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the Panthers’ roster heading into training camp. But much will depend on how the revamped group pulls together in a short space of time to give them the best possible chance of succeeding from the off in 2020.
Here are three ways that Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers.