Cincinnati Bengals sign former Buckeye

Apple was a starter on Ohio State 2014 national championship team and became the No. 10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by his hometown team, the New York Giants.

Two years later, they traded him to the New Orleans Saints, and he became a free agent after they declined to pick up his fifth-year option.

Apple spent last season with the Panthers on a one-year contract.

He has played 57 career NFL games and logged 29 tackles with three interceptions and 33 pass-breakups.

His addition gives the Bengals, who have drafted more Ohio State players than any other franchise since 1968, a total of six former Buckeyes on the current roster.

Apple joins fellow defensive back Vonn Bell, defensive lineman Sam Hubbard and offensive linemen Billy Price, Michael Jordan and Isaiah Prince.