Eli Apple is headed back to the Bengals in 2022.
Cincinnati announced Saturday that it has re-signed the starting cornerback to a one-year contract. Apple will now be back with the Bengals as they seek to defend their AFC Championship next season.
Apple, 26, was a pivotal piece of Cincinnati’s secondary during the team’s run in 2021. In his first season with the franchise, he tallied 35 tackles, eight passes defensed and two interceptions in 16 regular season games and 15 starts.
Despite his strong play, Apple became the target of ridicule from players around the league in the playoffs.