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Where the 49ers' newest cornerback fits in their depth chart

Will he start?
Parker Hurley|
Nov 10, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Eli Apple (41) and Tennessee Titans cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (26) during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Eli Apple (41) and Tennessee Titans cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (26) during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers signed Eli Apple to a one-year contract. Apple only played 47 snaps for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, but he has been in the NFL since 2016, and he is a former first-round pick. That may put him right in the bubble conversation for the 53-man roster. Where does he stand on the depth chart?

Will Eli Apple make the San Francisco 49ers 53-man roster?

The signing probably comes in correlation with Renardo Green hurting his hamstring. The team was losing reliable bodies there, and if Green is healthy for the start of the season, then Apple may be destined for the practice squad. 

However, even assuming Green is healthy, there is an outside chance for Apple to stick around. Tre Brown was expected to be an option on the outside, but has spent plenty of time in the slot. Upton Stout may start in the slot, but this is a rookie who fell to round three. If Brown has to start in the slot, they need a reliable depth cornerback on the outside. 

Miami Dolphins cornerback Eli Apple (33) looks on before an NFL International Series game against the Kansas City Chiefs at D
Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany, ; Miami Dolphins cornerback Eli Apple (33) looks on before an NFL International Series game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The next outside cornerback is Darrell Luter. Luter is a former fifth-round pick who has hardly seen the field and is not un-cuttable due to special teams. Due to his age and team control, the 49ers would like Luter to beat out Apple, but Apple could earn that job. 

The team hardly has other viable options for making the roster when it comes to outside cornerback. So, Apple enters the team with two paths to making the roster and a strong case to stick around on the practice squad. 

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Parker Hurley
PARKER HURLEY

Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.

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