Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Eli Apple was released by the San Francisco 49ers on August 2, 2026, marking another setback in the career of the former first-round draft pick. The veteran defensive back, who played for Miami during the 2023 season, now finds himself searching for a new NFL home at age 30.
This marks the second consecutive summer in which Apple has been let go by San Francisco during training camp. The 49ers first signed him on July 28, 2025, only to release him 10 days later. He returned to the practice squad and stayed through the end of that season before signing a reserve/future contract on January 20, 2026.
A Career That Never Reached Its Potential
Apple was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite the high expectations that came with his draft position, the cornerback has never lived up to his billing in the league.
Throughout his career, the former Ohio State standout has bounced between multiple teams. After his initial stint with the Giants, Apple played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins before landing in San Francisco.
“One of the moves the team made was to release veteran cornerback Eli Apple. Apple is a former first-round pick who has never quite panned out in the NFL,” wrote Athlon Sports’ Bryce Lazenby regarding the release.
During his time with San Francisco in 2025, Apple only saw action in two games. The 49ers hoped he would experience a late-career renaissance, but that comeback never materialized.
His Time With the Miami Dolphins
Apple joined the Dolphins during the 2023 season and started four of the 10 games he played for the team. According to Dolphins on SI’s Alain Poupart, “Apple did a serviceable job for the Dolphins, one of the highlights coming when he picked off Josh Allen in the end zone in the first quarter of the Week 18 AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.”
Despite that memorable interception, Apple’s performance was far from stellar. During his 2023 stint with Miami, which included starting in the team’s last playoff game, he earned a 50.3 cornerback grade from Pro Football Focus. This ranking placed him among the bottom-30 cornerbacks in the NFL.
His mediocre play frustrated Dolphins fans, many of whom believed 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith deserved more playing time. Smith never started an NFL game for Miami before eventually being released himself.
Miami’s Secondary Moving Forward
While Apple has the draft pedigree of a player who could get another chance somewhere in the league, his age likely eliminates any possibility of a reunion with the Miami Dolphins in 2026.
Miami has moved on with younger talent in their defensive backfield. After the first week of training camp, reports indicated the Dolphins’ secondary is expected to feature:
- JuJu Brents and Chris Johnson starting at outside cornerback
- Jason Marshall Jr. rotating in when Johnson moves to the slot
- Dante Trader Jr. at safety
- Either Zayne Anderson or Lonnie Johnson Jr. at the second safety spot
Both Brents and Johnson bring strong draft credentials to Miami’s secondary. Brents was a former second-round selection, while Johnson was taken in the late first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What Comes Next for the Veteran Corner
Apple will now hit the waiver wire, hoping another team sees potential in his skill set. At 30 years old, he still possesses the physical tools that made him a first-round selection nearly a decade ago.
However, consistency issues and mental lapses have plagued his career throughout multiple stops in the league. Apple was not expected to challenge Deommodore Lenoir or Renardo Green for a starting job with the 49ers this season.
The Dolphins’ decision to invest in younger cornerbacks rather than experienced veterans like Apple reflects a broader shift in team-building philosophy. After missing the postseason in both 2024 and 2025 following back-to-back playoff appearances, Miami has prioritized developing young talent over relying on aging veterans who may provide diminishing returns.
