The New York Giants seem to have addressed all of their major concerns this offseason. But general manager Joe Schoen shouldn’t hesitate to add more talent to the roster if he believes there’s an opportunity to bring in a valuable depth piece — no matter who it may be walking through the door.
The G-Men actually don’t have too many glaring roster holes left. Schoen did a good job there. But if there’s one overlooked area that might still be a little too thin, it’s the cornerback room. While fans should be somewhat intrigued by seventh-round pick Korie Black, the G-Men could use a little bit more help on the boundary.
That’s where a familiar — and unsettling — name could come back into the picture: Eli Apple. Apple just wrapped up a one-year, injury-riddled stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, making that his third stop in as many seasons. He’s a journeyman now. But even with the addition of Paulson Adebo in free agency, bringing back Apple might not be as crazy as it sounds.
Giants could be desperate enough to bring back Eli Apple
Big Blue’s cornerback room saw a necessary overhaul this offseason, headlined by the signing of Adebo, who inked a three-year deal to bring experience and ball skills to a secondary that badly needed both. But Adebo is coming off a broken femur, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be full-go right away.
Deonte Banks is still a work in progress. The former first-rounder had his ups and downs as a rookie, and while he brings upside, the team can’t afford to bank on a leap without a backup plan. Adoree’ Jackson walked in free agency, and with him went a ton of experience on the outside.
The starting trio of Adebo, Banks, and Dru Phillips (a breakout slot candidate) has promise, but depth is a real concern. Cor'Dale Flott has struggled to stay healthy, Tre Hawkins is unproven, and Korie Black is a seventh-rounder likely ticketed for special teams, at least to start. There’s a lot of uncertainty behind the top three.
That’s where a flier on Eli Apple could make sense. He’s not coming in to be a starter — just an experienced body who knows the league, the pressure of New York, and how to survive in a cornerback room. He wouldn’t cost much, and if he doesn’t make the team, there’s no harm done. But if he does, the Giants get a low-cost insurance option with real snaps under his belt.
Given the question marks behind the starters, bringing Apple back might not be as outlandish as it sounds. If nothing else, it adds one more voice in the room — and in a position group still figuring itself out, that’s worth something.