Giants' Collins changes stance on Eli Apple: 'I want him to be here'

The New York Giants' secondary may be able to stay intact, even after Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins' recent comments toward sophomore cornerback Eli Apple, when he indicated the former first-rounder "can always be cut."

Collins would later apologize, and he now seems to be changing his stance altogether.

"I think the organization should keep him," Collins said, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post. "He’s a first-rounder. He does a good job when his head is on straight on the field. … I want him to be here. I want him to be under my wing, and I can continue pushing him, continuing teaching him how this game is and how this business goes, and help him grow up as much as I can."

Apple, the No. 10 pick in 2016, played just 11 games in his sophomore season. He was inactive for Weeks 11-14 and suspended for the Week 17 finale, finishing the season with just seven starts.

New Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has already indicated the disgruntled cornerback can be given a clean slate for 2018.