Eli Apple has been a prominent name in professional football since declaring for the 2016 NFL Draft. Known for his elite athleticism and shutdown cornerback abilities, the question "what team is Eli Apple on" has a specific answer depending on the timeline you are examining. Currently, he is a free agent, but his most recent tenure was with the New Orleans Saints, where he provided veteran leadership on the defensive backfield.
Current Status and Free Agency
As of the 2024 season, Eli Apple is not signed to a team, making him an unrestricted free agent. After his contract with the Saints expired following the 2023 season, the player opted to explore the market rather than accept a restructured deal. This situation leaves fans frequently asking "what team is Eli Apple on," to which the accurate response is that he is currently unsigned, though he has expressed a desire to continue playing at a high level.
Recent Team History with the New Orleans Saints
Eli Apple spent the majority of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He signed a one-year contract in 2022 to provide depth and experience to a secondary that was dealing with injuries. He quickly became a staple in the defensive backfield, earning a starting role and demonstrating why he was once considered a top-tier cornerback in the league.
Performance in 2022 and 2023
During his time with the Saints, Apple was a reliable shutdown option opposite Marshon Lattimore. He contributed on pass coverage and was often tasked with guarding the opponent's best receiver. While his production in terms of interceptions fluctuated, his presence in the secondary allowed the Saints to play more comfortably in passing situations, knowing they had a veteran anchor on the edge.
Career Highlights and the Arizona Cardinals
Looking back at his career, Eli Apple is perhaps best known for his time with the New York Giants, where he was drafted in the first round in 2016. He later played for the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals. His stint with the Cardinals in 2021 was particularly notable, as he returned to a starting role and helped stabilize a young defensive unit before signing with New Orleans the following year.
Projected Future and Next Steps
Despite being 29 years old, Eli Apple maintains the physical tools and football IQ necessary to compete at the NFL level. Teams looking to bolster their secondary depth may look to sign him as a veteran presence and mentor to younger players. The answer to "what team is Eli Apple on" will likely change in the coming months as he attracts interest from clubs needing experienced cornerbacks.
