Panthers agree to deal with former Giant Eli Apple

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Eli Apple.

The move gives the Panthers the experienced cornerback they coveted after James Bradberry signed as a free agent with the Giants.

Apple has started 48 games during four seasons in the NFL and has 233 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles but has never lived up to the billing of being the 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State.

He started 15 games for the Saints last season and had 58 tackles and one forced fumble. He spent his first 2 1/2 seasons with the Giants before being traded midway through his third NFL season to the Saints.

Given Carolina’s lack of experience at the cornerback position, Apple has a chance to start right away. Carolina returns 2018 second-round pick Donte Jackson from last year’s team and drafted cornerbacks Troy Pride Jr. in the fourth round and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III in the seventh last month.