Eli Apple was one of the big moves that have happened so far ahead of the 2018 NFL trade deadline. After many reports of unrest between Apple and the New York Giants over the last couple of years, the team made the move to trade him. Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints were happy to acquire him.

Not only was Apple an excellent depth pickup for the Saints, it sounds like his role will be much bigger than that right off the bat.

According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Apple is currently expected to start on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings in the re-match of the “Minneapolis Miracle” game.

Apple will be asked to handle a large workload in the Saints' secondary right off the bat. He will be getting back to playing with fellow former Ohio State stars Marshon Lattimore and Vonn Bell.

During the five games that Apple played with the Giants this season, he recorded 23 tackles to go along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and five defended passes.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

At 23 years old, being traded to New Orleans may very well be exactly what Apple needed to get his career back on track. Things were not working out in New York, but that does not mean that he can't get things going with the Saints.

We will get a good look at exactly how Apple fits into his new defense on Sunday Night Football. Minnesota isn't an easy first task, but it will give the Saints an idea of what they're working with.