NFL trade rumors: Should the Titans pursue Eli Apple?

Gregg Rosenthal of the NFL Network wrote an article yesterday saying that he thinks the NFL trade market is going to be active this year. The NFL typically has a pretty boring trade market, especially compared to the other major sports, so a busy trade market this year would be especially fun to see. The above linked article has a host of players that could be available via trade.

The one that has drawn some chatter among Titans’ fans is New York Giants’ CB Eli Apple. There is no doubting Apple’s talent, but his time with the Giants has been tumultuous to say the least. He was ultimately suspended for the final game of the 2017 season for conduct detrimental to the team.

The biggest reason he has been connected to the Titans is because new Titans’ defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs was Apple’s DB coach at Ohio State. Coombs was able to get Apple to play at a high level during his time in Columbus.

Corner is not as big of a need for this team as it was last year, but they could use another top end guy to go with Adoree Jackson and Logan Ryan. A nickel defense featuring Jackson, Ryan and Apple would stack up pretty well against anyone.

Apple is still playing on his rookie deal. He is signed through 2019 with a club option for 2020. From a salary cap standpoint, he would be solid acquisition. Rosenthal speculates that Apple could be acquired for “pennies on the dollar.” If that equates to a day 3 pick, and Coombs thinks he can get him to come in here and play with his head on straight, sign me up!