If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And if former New York Giants draft bust Eli Apple signs with the 49ers only to get cut weeks later, did that shot at redemption even count?
In a not-so-surprising move, San Francisco is parting ways with the nine-year vet to make room for defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour, per the team's website. In somewhat of a surprising development, it doesn't look like his release was necessarily performance-based.
Apple was signed to a one-year deal just weeks ago to supplement depth issues in San Fran's cornerback room. He was likely never going to be more than a camp body anyway... he had no guaranteed money on his contract, signing for the veteran minimum. With his release, he'll be looking to latch on to his eighth team in 10 seasons.
Eli Apple released just weeks after signing with 49ers
This felt like a formality the moment the ink dried. The 49ers needed a body at corner, Apple was available, and the contract made it easy to bring him in and even easier to move on from. It was never a long-term thing, and there was never any indication he was making real noise in camp.
It’s not like San Fran made this move out of desperation, either. They were already hosting workout after workout on the defensive line and clearly wanted more juice up front. The Apple signing was always more about having a warm body to get through practice, and now that someone else was needed, he was the odd man out.
Dwumfour might not be a household name, but he fills a more immediate need. San Francisco’s been dealing with depth issues along the interior and was light on rotational pieces with the Broncos coming to town. This wasn’t about Apple's performance or lack thereof; it was about logistics. And with no guaranteed money and limited upside, he was the easiest name to scratch off.
It’s not a reflection on any one practice or blown rep. It’s just how camp works. The guys who don’t factor into the long-term picture are the first ones shuffled out when injuries pile up or depth charts get rearranged.
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Apple will probably catch on somewhere else. He usually does. That’s kind of his thing. But at this point, it’s hard to view anything as a true opportunity. He’s not signing with contenders to make rosters. He’s getting brought in for insurance and getting let go just as fast. This wasn’t his last shot in the league, but it might’ve been the last one this season.