Saints acquire Eli Apple from Giants

The New Orleans Saints acquired cornerback Eli Apple from the New York Giants on Tuesday in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round pick and 2020 seventh-round pick, the Giants announced.

Apple was the Giants' 10th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played five games this season with five passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His one career interception came in his rookie season.

The third-year pro was the subject of controversy within the Giants' locker room last year, as he was benched, fined, and suspended for "a pattern of behavior that (was) conduct detrimental to the team."

It was reported Monday that the Saints were the preferred destination of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson if he were to be traded. For now, Apple joins a secondary group led by 2017 first-round cornerback Marshon Lattimore and second-round safety Marcus Williams.