Cornerback Eli Apple was one of the big reasons the Cincinnati Bengals lost Super Bowl LVI. But apparently the Bengals liked what he gave them another to run it back with him again.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Apple is re-signing with the Bengals. It’s a one-year deal worth $4 million and would be the most money he’s earned in a year since his rookie contract.
Apple started 15 regular season games and all four of the postseason games for the Bengals in 2021. He had 49 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defended in the regular season with another 21 tackles and three passes defended in the playoffs.
But he had a historically bad performance on the biggest stage. He was the first cornerback in over four years to allow multiple receiving touchdowns as the primary defender. One of those touchdowns was the game-winning touchdown reception by Cooper Kupp.
Bengals fans seemed happy about the move. The rest of the NFL thinks the Bengals are clowns for bringing him back:
Michael Thomas roasting Eli to apple sauce in the Superdome next season CONFIRMED! https://t.co/Qpceac22ec
— ☘️🇺🇦 Saint Derek 🇺🇦☘️ (@AGBWhoDat) March 17, 2022
Solid depth move. Still believe another CB will be added. But if we have to ride a game or two with Apple, I’m perfectly fine with that. https://t.co/0IXLi58hXu
— Cameron Demler (@CJD22K) March 17, 2022
Most expensive toast ever https://t.co/lu9UwmsSkj
— Mzee Edd 🇰🇪 (@005e5n) March 17, 2022
@Bengals y’all forgot he was the reason y’all lost the SuperBowl?? Very unserious franchise https://t.co/JmmpZHmDrD
— 🪙 𝔼𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕪 𝔹𝕚𝕣𝕕 🪙 (@ESharpYea) March 17, 2022
I like it! #Bengals. https://t.co/dUmGWVHgmR
— No Fluff Sports (@NoFluff_) March 17, 2022
Eli Apple was the No. 10 overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and played 1.5 seasons with them before being released.
After that he had a short stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
At 26 years old, Apple probably has plenty of years left in him. At least one of them will be with the Bengals. Maybe more.
The post Eli Apple Back To Bengals: NFL World Reacts appeared first on The Spun.