5 mid-level free agents who could help the Cardinals in 2022
By Jim Koch
Eli Apple – CB
2021 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Eli Apple, a former first-round draft pick of the New York Giants, started 15 games at cornerback for the AFC-champion Cincinnati Bengals last season. The Philadelphia native has had an up and down NFL career, but his performance last fall may have been his best as a pro.
The Cards will once again need to acquire a cover guy or two this offseason, and Apple could qualify as an option. The 26-year-old earned just $1.2 million with Cincy last year, so obtaining the veteran’s services may not cost the organization a bundle.
Apple totaled 49 tackles, two interceptions, and a career-high 10 pass breakups for the Bengals in 2021. The 6-foot-1, 203-pounder may not have the talent to be a number-one corner, but Arizona could ultimately benefit from his presence in the secondary.