The Carolina Panthers have signed cornerback Eli Apple to a one-year deal.
Drafted 10th overall in 2016 by the New York Giants, Apple was traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2018 where he started all 25 games he appeared in over the last two seasons.
Apple agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason but the deal was nixed due to negotiations falling apart.
The Panthers were in need of another starting-caliber cornerback after losing James Bradberry in free agency.
Carolina drafted cornerback Troy Pride Jr. in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft but the concerns of Pride being a rookie and undersized left a big hole in the secondary.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, Apple will likely slot in as the Panthers starting cornerback alongside Donte Jackson, allowing Pride Jr. to develop.
During his first four seasons, Apple has played 55 career games, starting 48, with three interceptions and 33 passes defended.
According to Pro Football Focus, Apple was targeted 68 times last season and gave up 43 catches. He also led his team in penalties and penalty yardage the past three seasons.