4 Panthers players who could become liabilities in 2020

Eli Apple – CB

There are plenty of questions surrounding Eli Apple heading into the new season. This is his final chance to make the most out of his outstanding skillset from a starting role. But the jury is still out as to whether he is capable of turning a once-promising career around.

Apple was a late arrival to the Carolina Panthers in free agency after a move to the Las Vegas Raiders fell through at the last minute. He penned a one-year, $3 million deal with the organization, who appears confident this can be the place where the former Ohio State standout can finally live up to his billing.

The Panthers will need Apple firing on all cylinders. They opted not to bring back Ross Cockrell or Javien Elliott in free agency and No. 1 option James Bradberry also left the set-up in favor of a big-money move to the New York Giants that included almost $32 million guaranteed.

This could end up being one of the more concerning areas of Carolina’s roster if they struggle to cope in the face of some exceptional passing attacks on the schedule. Apple has been victimized by opposing teams over the last two years and if the same happens in 2020 with the Panthers, then it will not take long for the organization to look in a different direction.

Apple has also missed a period of training camp through injury which he is now recovering from. But a hampered preparation period was the last thing he needed.