Despite playing a big role in an improving defense, Eli Apple's fifth-year option wasn't picked up by the Saints, who traded for the cornerback, originally drafted by the New York Giants.
When Apple arrived in New Orleans last year, he was coming off a disappointing second season in New York that included being suspended for the Giants' regular-season finale for getting into an argument with coaches about playing on a scout team.
He's trying to make the most of his second year in New Orleans — his fourth overall — though.
“Nah, I try not think about it too much,” Apple said, via the New Orleans Advocate. “It is what it is. I just have to go out and get it this year and prove myself and continue to prove what I can do on the field. Everything is going to take care of itself.”
Apple seems to be in a better place now and was a big reason the defense improved in the latter part of the season. A team that gave up an average of 27.2 points and 387.8 yards through the first eight games gave up 16.9 points and 310.4 yards in the final eight games.
He replaced Ken Crawley as the starting cornerback as soon as he arrived and recorded 29 tackles, two interceptions and had nine pass breakups in games.
If Apple does perform at a high level, he won’t be thinking too much about the option anymore, because he will be in line for a bigger payday with the Saints or someone else.
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