NFL
Saints Acquire Cornerback Eli Apple From Giants
The New Orleans Saints have traded a fourth and seventh-round pick for New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple. Apple was the tenth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
It was no secret that Apple and the Giants organization had a cancerous relationship throughout his tenure in New York. The acquisition helps the Saints sure up a thin core of defensive backs.
Saints traded a 4th-round pick in 2019 and a 7th in 2020 for former Giants’ CB Eli Apple, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2018
Poor Man’s Peterson?
When word circulated that All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson wanted out of the Arizona Cardinals organization, trade rumors began to circulate. Even more intriguing was a tweet from Bryant McFadden, confirming that Peterson’s ideal trade destination was the Saints.
However, after Arizona Cardinals coach Steve Wilks shot down the Cardinals trading Peterson, that seemed unlikely.
#Cardinals All-Pro CB @P2 ideal trade destination is the #Saints. Per source Patrick Peterson. #Whodat
— Bryant McFadden (@BMac_SportsTalk) October 22, 2018
As a result, the only possible move for the Saints was to go after the next best thing. Apple has had his ups and downs as a player, but there is no denying his talent. Acquiring Apple for only a fourth-round pick makes this a low-risk acquisition for the organization. With the trade deadline only a week away, a value like this is hard to find.
Playoff Push
With the Saints having the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL, using the trade deadline to fortify the roster was a priority. The Saints have been praised throughout the season for their stout run defense. However, that dominance hasn’t exactly translated against the pass. The Saints rank a mere 28th against the pass, giving up nearly 300 passing yards a game.
The acquisition of Apple means that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen now has a high-caliber player opposite of Marshon Lattimore. Moving cornerback Ken Crawley to the slot may allow for more aggressive defensive calls, and thus, a stronger pass rush.
The Saints have won five consecutive games, a feat that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Now that the team has managed to acquire Eli Apple, look for the Saints to make a push for the NFC and the Lombardi.
One Eli Down, One Eli To Go
The Giants, now 1-6, have to start thinking about the future. It’s clear that a subpar offensive line and a quarterback that is at the end of the road need to be replaced. With two more picks to play with, the front office must restructure the offensive line immediately.
The Giants acquired former New England Patriot Nate Solder hoping he would be the leader of a new and improved unit. Unfortunately, his play has been abysmal. While the Giants still have a solid piece on the line to build off in Will Hernandez, the unit just isn’t getting things done.
Giants fans have been calling for the Eli Manning retirement train for what seems like forever. However, the fix may be in at this point. Eli Manning is simply no longer a starting caliber NFL quarterback.
After a tough loss to Atlanta, analyst Brady Quinn ripped the veteran signal-caller. Look for the Giants to find their quarterback of the future, as well as sure up a weak offensive line in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Photo Credit
Featured Image courtesy of Nazrul Islam
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