The Cincinnati Bengals will get a key piece of their Super Bowl defense back by retaining cornerback Eli Apple in free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported it’s a one-year deal worth $4 million for Apple.
Apple played a key role for the Bengals in 2021 after Trae Waynes wasn’t ready to step in and start on the boundary. Still just 26 years old, the former top-10 pick allowed 39 catches on 66 targets and picked off two passes
This solidifies the starting three at corner with Apple-Mike Hilton-Chidobe Awuzie ahead of Waynes likely release. A corner is still very much in play at No. 31 or later in the draft as the Bengals have to think about quality depth and the long-term future, too.
