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.
How Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers: NFC South experience
One way that Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers is the player’s experience in the NFC South. The cornerback spent last season with the New Orleans Saints and can use this know-how to good effect in 2020.
Apple enjoyed mixed success with the Saints last season. He was often targeted by opposing offenses and the ball was thrown in his direction 68 times throughout the campaign.
The player gave up 46 receptions on these targets, which was tied-36th in the NFL. Apple was given a modest grade of 63.8 by Pro Football Focus as a result of his contribution to a Saints team that saw their Super Bowl tilt ended by the Minnesota Vikings once again.
His knowledge of the NFC South receivers is something that could benefit the Panthers considerably. Apple will know all about the Saints and how they went about carving open the Carolina defense last term. This will come in handy for new head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow, who are embarking on their first season with the franchise.
Apple has come up against the likes of Chris Godwin, Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, and Mike Evans last season. This should give him a head start in any preparation to take on these formidable adversaries once again next time around.
Just how much he will be used has probably yet to be determined. But Apple can be a definite help providing he can reinvigorate himself following a campaign littered with inconsistencies.
How Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers: Pressure off Troy Pride Jr.
The arrival of Eli Apple should also take some of the immediate pressure off fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. The former Notre Dame speedster comes in with an eye-catching skill set that could eventually see him become a prominent starter with the Carolina Panthers if he reaches his ceiling.
That being said, putting too much on the prospect’s shoulders early on has the potential to have a detrimental impact on his long-term aspirations. Having Apple on the roster can alleviate some of the pressure and allow Pride Jr. to develop at his own pace.
This will be especially significant during the initial stages of the campaign. Throwing Pride Jr. in at the deep end could present severe problems. And now Apple will be on hand to ease this transition before possibly taking a back seat to the rookie later on in the season.
Having someone like Apple to lean on for advice and guidance is also going to stand Pride Jr. in good stead. The Panthers were devoid of this at the cornerback spot before his arrival thanks to the departures of James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell.
All signs point to Apple possibly starting right away, with Pride Jr. coming in as the nickel cornerback when required. These roles could be reversed as the season progresses, depending on how the duo fare during the first few weeks.
How Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers: Versatility
Eli Apple might have failed to live up to expectations during his time in the NFL so far. But that doesn’t mean the cornerback cannot enjoy a new lease of life with the Carolina Panthers.
The player possesses a tremendous amount of speed and is fluid enough going down the field with wide receivers. Locating the football in the air has been a problem for the former tenth overall pick out of Ohio State. And it remains to be seen whether he can improve on this particular area of the field.
What Apple does have going for him is versatility. This is something that Carolina’s decision-makers have sought from their defensive players both in free agency and the NFL Draft. And their newest recruit fits the bill in this regard.
Apple can play on the outside or as a nickel corner will equal effect. He might be asked to do both as the season progresses. But much will depend on which area of the field he makes the biggest impression during training camp, preseason games, and the early stages of the campaign.
This was an eye-catching signing for the Panthers. Apple comes with some upside in what looks to be his last chance of proving he has starting capabilities in the NFL.
He will be tested significantly on a Panthers’ team that is expected to go through its fair share of turmoil during the season. But the onus will be firmly on the player himself to produce the goods with a view to possibly earning a longer commitment in the future.