The Pewter Plank
FanSided

7 cornerbacks Buccaneers could target in 2020 free agency

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: M.J. Stewart #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Vernon III Hargreaves #28 against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: M.J. Stewart #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Vernon III Hargreaves #28 against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Eli Apple #25 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Eli Apple #25 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

2. Eli Apple, New Orleans Saints

Not only are their two former Spartans on this list, but also two former Ohio State Buckeyes as well, as fourth-year cornerback Eli Apple joins Bradley Roby. This offseason, the division rival New Orleans Saints made the decision to turn down Apple’s fifth year options, and it is turning out to bite them in the rear as he is having the best season of his career.

A former first round pick of the New York Giants, Apple was traded to the Saints after a near meltdown in the locker room in the Big Apple (no pun intended). However the change of scenery for Apple has made all of the difference, as he is playing to the tune of a PFF grade of 71.9.

This grade is not indicated on the box score, as Apple has only one pass defended and one forced fumble this season. What does this mean? Teams are not throwing Apple’s way, and if you remember when the Bucs took on the Saints, Apple was the one who intercepted Winston deep, but was called back due to a defensive holding on the other side of the field.

The Saints may be looking to keep Apple, but it will more than likely cost them more than the fifth year option would have. Apple will now be set for the open market as well, as he should be a target of the pewter and red.

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