Chargers agree to contract with veteran cornerback Eli Appleaccording to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Apple will join the Chargers’ practice squad after working out with the team earlier today, Pelissero said.
The former first-rounder has become a journeyman cornerback, playing for five different teams since the 2018 season. He last played for the Dolphins in 2023, appearing in 10 games and starting four.
Before that, Apple started 30 games for the Bengals during the 2021-2022 season, but a focus on rejuvenating the secondary in recent offseasons led to him becoming a free agent. Apple, who is only 29 years old despite joining the NFL in 2016, will be playing for his sixth team in his career.
jim harbaugh He coached against Apple in his first year at Michigan, and the Giants’ first-round pick eventually became part of Ohio State’s cornerback pipeline. The Giants traded Apple to the Saints during the 2018 season, and after playing out his rookie contract in New Orleans, a one-and-done with the Panthers began.
The Chargers are dealing with a number of injuries in their secondary. Asante Samuel Jr. and Jaycer Taylor Both missed Week 6 with injuries. With Samuel placed on injured reserve, the Chargers needed to add to their reliable cornerback depth in case they needed quick relief from the practice squad. Apple, who finished 10th overall in 2016, may not have lived up to his draft expectations, but he’s started 82 games and played in nearly 100 games in his career, so he’s available if needed. He could play on defense right away and play in Week 7.
Former Lions cornerback jerry jacobs He also participated in Chargers training. Jacobs started 12 games for Detroit last season but was not tendered as an RFA this offseason.
