Former Bengals CB Eli Apple signs 1-year deal with Dolphins
Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple has finally found a new team. The 2016 first-round selection out of Ohio State signed a 1-year deal with the Miami Dolphins Saturday afternoon. The Dolphins had been looking for immediate cornerback help after Jalen Ramsey suffered a meniscus injury that will take him out for most of the […]
Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple has finally found a new team. The 2016 first-round selection out of Ohio State signed a 1-year deal with the Miami Dolphins Saturday afternoon.
The Dolphins had been looking for immediate cornerback help after Jalen Ramsey suffered a meniscus injury that will take him out for most of the 2023 season. Per NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, Apple beat out veterans Fabian Moreau and Anthony Averett for the roster spot.
Apple, who's now joining his fifth NFL team in his eighth season, spent the last two years in Cincinnati. Originally signed for depth during free agency of 2021, Apple took over for an injured Trae Waynes and never looked back. He started 37 games and logged 3,343 snaps throughout two playoff runs. And he assumed the villain role through all of it.
The adversarial nature of Apple's mentality has defined his career, but two years with the Bengals has shown there was more ability to him than what the three previous teams he played for ever realized. It just took the right fit.
Apple's inconsistencies were mitigated as much as possible in Cincinnati, but they still persisted at inopportune times. It's why Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner were drafted in consecutive years with the same overall pick in the second round. The level Apple provided was good, but not unreachable by a younger athlete with better ball skills.
Injuries kept Apple on the field for Lou Anarumo's impressive defense in what became the Bengals' most successful two-year run in franchise history. Now, another injury has opened the door for Apple under the command of another defensive mastermind in Vic Fangio.
If he was anything like his peak with the Bengals, he'll prove this to be an astute decision for the Dolphins.
Watch: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase posterizes rookie teammate in practice
Welcome to the NFL, rook.
Featured image via © Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
