The Writing’s On The Wall For Eli Apple’s Bengals Future Following NFL Draft

Eli Apple, a first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2016, had been labeled a bust until he signed with the Bengals in 2021. He started every game and helped the Bengals win their first playoff game in over 30 years and reach the Super Bowl. Apple became a polarizing figure for the Bengals, playing the best football of his career and trolling on Twitter.

He had an up-and-down season in 2022, and his most memorable play was a tackle on Tyreek Hill in the AFC Championship game. The Bengals drafted two cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed Sidney Jones IV to a one-year deal, making it unlikely that Apple will be re-signed.

Throughout his career, Apple has started in 71 games, made 307 tackles, intercepted five passes, and forced three fumbles.