New Orleans Saints: Paying Vonn Bell over Eli Apple is the smart decision
When the New Orleans Saints look to balance the books, they’ll have money to spend this offseason. Should that be on Vonn Bell or Eli Apple?
The New Orleans Saints have numerous players with expiring contracts, and they cannot pay them all. But, to keep their secondary in tack, it should be safety Vonn Bell seeing a payday not cornerback Eli Apple.
The Saints will have several debates in their front office. Players like A.J. Klein, Drew Brees, Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, and others need to be paid. They must also realize that they are without a second-round pick to fill a potential void that’s created.
Who will they re-sign and who will they let go? On a franchise of their caliber, they’ll have the benefit of the doubt with these quality veterans, but their money is still limited. Let’s assume the battle for the secondary is between Bell and Apple.
You sign Vonn Bell; he’s been an improved and dominant safety this season.
The 5-foot-11, fourth-year pro will have career highs across the board with even a mediocre performance on Sunday.
Bell has taken a step forward this season. He has 86 tackles, 63 solo. What’s been most impactful is the two forced fumbles and five fumble recovers the former Ohio State star has been able to secure.
Apple, on the other hand, has been far from dominant this season. On the side opposite of Marshon Lattimore, Apple has been lit up multiple times. It seemed right from the get-go in Week 1 he was the target of opposing offensive coordinators.
In an important Week 14 loss, Apple posted Pro Football Focus’ worst rating among Saints.
Apple had to be better, but he was getting absolutely shredded by players like Deebo Samuel. The arrival of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, although he had two game-changing third-and-long flags last week, should also take down the value of Apple.
Next. Saints: 3 quick fixes that could enhance the lacking defense. dark
Outside of four snaps, Marcus Williams and Vonn Bell have played every defensive snap for the Saints. They are the crux of this defense, and the front office should feel the same way.