Controversial Bengals star Eli Apple provides a telling update on his future

Controversial cornerback Eli Apple will become a free agent in 2023 after spending the last two seasons as a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals.

A former 2016 first-round pick by the New York Giants, he spent the first two-and-a-half seasons with the team before being traded to the New Orleans Saints for a fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft and a seventh-round pick in the 2020 draft.

He spent one-and-a-half seasons with the Saints and then joined the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where he only played in two games due to injury.

After spending the last two seasons with the Bengals, Apple addressed his future via Geoff Hobson of the team’s website:

“It definitely brought back the love for the game feeling, especially leaving New Orleans the way I did. And then going to the Panthers and not making it there and coming here and not knowing what to expect and then having the two best years ever in my life.

“It was nothing but football out here. Really reconnected with some of the guys from college (Ohio State). Realizing the strong survive. That’s the only way. You have to be strong. You have to be tough. Gritty. That’s the only way you get these wins and get these streaks. Consistent effort.”

Apple said that he would return to Cincy for at least a visit and would like to remain with the team:

“It’s a beautiful city. (Cincinnati) is underrated. I’ll definitely come back. I want to go anywhere I’m wanted. No team like (this one). Can’t catch that feel anywhere else. Maybe you could, but I don’t know, I’ve been a lot of other places. It’s rare.”

Eli Apple is one of cornerbacks set to test free agency in 2023

AFC championship game: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Eli Apple is one of many starting-caliber cornerbacks who will be a free agent heading into next season.

Some of the top free-agent corners in 2023 are Jamel Dean, James Bradberry, Byron Murphy, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Peters, Cameron Sutton and Sean Murphy-Bunting.

The Bengals have an estimated $44.5 million in cap space per spotrac, which is the third-most. They will certainly have the money to bring back Apple if they choose to.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Eli Apple, Geoff Hobson ProFootballTalk, and H/T Sportskeeda.