Official: Veteran CB and Former Ohio State Standout Eli Apple Ends Brief Tenure with San Francisco 49ers, Inks New 3-Year Contract Elsewhere
In a surprising turn of events within the NFL, veteran cornerback Eli Apple—well-known for his collegiate days with the Ohio State Buckeyes—has officially moved on from the San Francisco 49ers. Though initially reported to have joined the 49ers on a one-year deal, Apple has now cut ties with the organization and signed a new three-year contract with another team, according to reports surrounding the developing situation. His decision marks a significant shift in his career, as he steps into a new chapter entering his 10th professional season.
Apple, who will turn 30 years old on August 9, was originally expected to bring much-needed veteran experience and depth to the 49ers’ secondary, particularly after San Francisco suffered a key injury in training camp. The team had recently lost promising cornerback Renardo Green to a hamstring issue during a practice session, creating a gap in the defensive backfield. Apple’s signing at that time appeared to be a timely and calculated response aimed at stabilizing the cornerback rotation, given his familiarity with multiple defensive schemes and years of starting experience.
His short-lived stint with the 49ers follows his brief appearance with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Apple initially joined the Chargers via their practice squad in October, later being elevated to the active roster in November. Over the course of four games, he put in a steady, if modest, performance. He was targeted five times and allowed just two completions, alongside one pass deflection. While those numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, they underscored his ability to remain effective in short-term coverage roles, even at this later stage of his career.
Apple’s NFL journey has been both lengthy and winding. Originally selected as the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, he entered the league with high expectations thanks to his stellar collegiate career at Ohio State. Over the years, he’s played for a variety of NFL teams including the Giants, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently the Chargers—making this upcoming stop his seventh in the NFL. He’s known for his physical playing style, high football IQ, and ability to match up against big-bodied receivers, though at times he’s also drawn criticism for inconsistencies in coverage and penalties in key moments.
Despite the ups and downs, Apple has always remained a highly active and competitive presence in the league. His latest three-year contract shows that teams still value his leadership, coverage ability, and veteran savvy in a league that continues to prioritize depth and experience in the secondary.
While the 49ers initially appeared to be a good fit, the situation evidently changed either due to roster adjustments, performance evaluations, or strategic realignment. Now, with Apple committing to a multi-year deal, it’s evident that both sides agreed to go in different directions. Though it’s unclear at this point which team Apple will be suiting up for next, the length of the contract suggests the organization sees him as more than just a temporary depth option.
Fans of Apple from his college days at Ohio State may remember his role in helping the Buckeyes win the national championship during the 2014 season, and it’s clear he still has the fire to compete at the pro level. His ability to adjust to new teams and systems continues to make him a sought-after presence in locker rooms across the NFL.
In summary, Eli Apple’s brief chapter with the San Francisco 49ers has come to an unexpected end, but the experienced cornerback has now found stability with a three-year contract. As he continues his NFL journey, he remains a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to make timely impacts no matter where he plays.
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