Not long after joining the San Francisco 49ers this summer, the former New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple is back on the free agency market.
The 49ers made an official roster announcement on Thursday afternoon, confirming that they added the defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour to the team on a one-year deal. Apple became the odd man out as the 49ers needed to make a follow-up move to add room.
Apple, a former first-round pick for the New York Giants, has struggled to maintain consistency lately.
Back in 2016, Apple joined the NFL as a first-round pick out of Ohio State. Despite availability concerns through his first couple of seasons with the Giants, he was living up to the hype.
As a rookie, Apple combined 51 tackles, seven pass deflections, and an interception in 14 games. During his second season in 2017, Apple appeared in just 11 games. He racked up 49 tackles and eight pass deflections.
During Apple's second season with the Giants, there were rumors of tension affecting his standing within the locker room. It was becoming clear that Apple's days in New York could be numbered.
In 2018, Apple appeared in five games for his third NFL season. After producing 23 tackles and five pass deflections, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints. The Giants received two future draft picks for their former first-rounder.
Since going to the Saints, Apple has played for a handful of teams. During his final year with the Saints, Apple collected a career-high 58 tackles in 15 games. After he wrapped up his run with the Saints, Gardner-Johnson signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Injuries derailed his run in under two months, leading to his release.
There was a two-season stint for Apple with the Cincinnati Bengals. Then in 2023, Apple signed a one-year deal with the Maimi Dolphins and spent the season with them, appearing in 10 games. Last year, Apple joined the Los Angeles Chargers. Initially, he was on the practice squad before receiving a promotion.
Apple would see the field for just four games with the Chargers. Another stint out in California seemed to be in the works, but the 49ers are going to move on from the veteran corner.
At this point, Apple has appeared in 102 games. He has produced 383 tackles, 61 pass deflections, and six interceptions.
For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.