Russini’s what I’m hearing: Trade deadline chatter on Kupp, 49ers and big-name defensive players

It’s that time of year again — and I’m not talking about the trade deadline (though we’ll get to the hot names on the trade block in a minute). I’m talking about “vote of confidence” season.

Three days after New York Giants co-owner John Mara watched his former star running back and current Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley run all over the Giants at MetLife Stadium, Mara told reporters (at an event celebrating his late father, Wellington) that he has no plans to fire either head coach Brian Daboll or GM Joe Schoen this season or in the offseason. This is the first owner endorsement we have heard this year — though it’s interesting that Mara did it with 10 games still left in the season. Mara should know better than anyone how much things can change over that much time. After all, he’s been here before.

In November 2017, Mara endorsed then-head coach Ben McAdoo — and fired him three weeks later. A similar scenario played out with Joe Judge in 2021; in late December that season, Mara said Judge would return as the head coach, only to fire him two weeks later (though it was after a series of embarrassing moments, mind you, like Judge’s 11-minute rant after a late-season loss to the Chicago Bears).

People around the league aren’t buying that Daboll and Schoen should feel secure even after the endorsement, and the duo — known to be outwardly emotional — probably won’t feel any less anxious if they keep losing. (I’ve seen “The Godfather Part II” more than a dozen times; I know the “kiss of death” scene very well.)

This doesn’t only happen in New York though. Just last year, I reported the week of Thanksgiving that the Tennessee Titans had no plans to fire their head coach, Mike Vrabel. High-ranking team sources were adamant that Vrabel was a star in the profession, and that the organization respected him because of the culture he built and his game-management expertise. The Titans viewed him as the face of the organization and the right coach for long-term success. Those same people fired him six weeks later.

It’s a well-known secret around the league that Mara loves former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick from Belichick’s time as Bill Parcells’ defensive coordinator with the Giants. Many are wondering if Mara would be able to resist if Belichick expressed interest in the job. Though that’s another question: Would Belichick want the Giants job considering how the organization is currently set up? Some around the league believe the answer is no.

Though, as we know from projecting the coaching carousel midseason: Things change.

This is what I’m hearing from around the league:

• All things trade deadline: Latest on Cooper Kupp, the 49ers, and some names that simply aren’t going to move

• Will Justin Fields see the field this week?

• Dallas gets ready to add a big name to the gameday roster

• Jayden Daniels wants to play, but who will ultimately make the call?

• What to expect from DeAndre Hopkins’ Chiefs debut

Trade deadline: Lots of sizzle, but…

The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away and phone lines are lighting up in front offices all over the NFL. Well, most are actually taking calls on a cell phone during a drive to work or while stepping in and out of meetings, though I do know a few decision-makers who still love an old-fashioned landline. (Who doesn’t?)

The reality is the sizzle is much better than the steak as we inch closer to deadline day, though there has been an uptick in trades in recent years. It hasn’t been an earth-shattering increase, but there are more deals now than there used to be. Last year, 15 trades went down by the deadline, five more than the season prior. Most teams are looking at their roster, identifying the expiring contracts or figuring out whose production and salary are mismatched. This is “collection of information” time when GMs are also trying to determine players’ value.

One NFL general manager shared his philosophy about the trade deadline: “You can’t get caught in the emotion and drama of it. There’s a reason these moves are being made. The core of your team is the core of your team, and very rarely (does) one extra piece change your season.”

Most contending teams are on a mission to upgrade their depth, and in years past some big names have done just that: the Vikings acquiring tight end T.J. Hockenson, the Dolphins adding edge Bradley Chubb, the 49ers trading for running back Christian McCaffrey, the Bears getting edge Montez Sweat and the Ravens picking up linebacker Roquan Smith.

As for the biggest name on the trade block this year …

Kupp was shopped — did Thursday change things?

After Thursday night’s win over the Minnesota Vikings got them to 3-4, Rams head coach Sean McVay sounded like a man who was going to toss GM Les Snead’s phone in the Pacific Ocean. That’s after L.A. had multiple conversations with other teams regarding star wideout Cooper Kupp. While McVay said he was thrilled to have Kupp back on the field and he “expects it to stay that way,” would the Rams still consider a deal?

Before the Rams’ recent win, my colleague Michael Silver (who just joined The Athletic last week — I recommend his columns if you love premiere storytelling and access) and I spoke to multiple league sources who have had discussions with the Rams about trading for the 31-year-old receiver. The Chiefs (before the Hopkins trade), Bills and Steelers are among the teams that have either called L.A. or that L.A. reached out to to discuss a trade scenario.

The Rams toyed with paying a small chunk of Kupp’s salary to make a trade more palatable, but have informed most suitors that this is not an option. Just a reminder: Kupp is making $15 million this year, and he’s scheduled to make $20 million next year, of which $5 million is already guaranteed. So if a team wants him, it would need at least $9 million in cap room to absorb the contract (unless the Rams help). After a healthy Kupp looked like a reasonable version of himself Thursday night, count on this: If a team does talk to the Rams about trading for him, the price just went way up.

The untouchables

The Titans made two big trades this week, dealing Hopkins to the Chiefs and sending linebacker Ernest Jones Jr. to the Seahawks (for LB Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick). Tennessee spent the most money of any team this offseason to build up a depleted roster, yet as head coach Brian Callahan hunts for the second win of his head-coaching career, most around the league see the Titans as a rebuild. That said, one player I expect to be off-limits is star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. I know teams such as the Lions, Ravens and Vikings would love to add a piece to their defense, but the Titans consider “Big Jeff” a big part of their future.

You can add the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and the Browns’ Myles Garrett to the list of “every team wants them but they aren’t for sale.” I do expect teams to still ask the Raiders and Browns, but based on my conversations with sources from both teams, those two are too valuable to sell off.

Speaking of pass rushers, I expect the Panthers’ Jadeveon Clowney, the Packers’ Preston Smith and a different Browns vet, Za’Darius Smith, to draw some interest before the deadline.

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Are the 49ers buyers? Sellers? Both?

The defending NFC champions are facing an identity crisis as they head into Sunday night’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys, the final one before their midseason bye and the impending trade deadline.

At 3-4, after a tumultuous summer and amid a wave of injuries to key players, the 49ers don’t look all that legit. Yet they’re only a game behind the Seahawks — a team they soundly defeated, in Seattle, earlier this month — in a weakened NFC West. If star running back McCaffrey returns from his problematic Achilles injury (perhaps after the bye), and if hard-hitting linebacker Dre Greenlaw returns to steady the defense a few weeks later, maybe coach Kyle Shanahan can spur another stirring second-half run.

Silver reported Thursday that Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will seek reinforcements via the trade market, most notably at defensive tackle and wide receiver. I’ve been told to keep an eye on the Patriots — who will listen to any proposal — with run-stuffing interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux and ex-Niners wide receiver Kendrick Bourne among the possible targets. Two other former San Francisco players, defensive tackles DeForest Buckner (Colts) and D.J. Jones (Broncos), have been discussed internally by team decision-makers but I don’t get the sense Indy or Denver are open to moving either player.

With Javon Hargrave out for the season, the Niners need help in the trenches, ideally in the form of a defensive tackle who can also provide a pass-rushing push. At the same time, given the salary-cap reckoning coming after the season — Brock Purdy is eligible for a massive contract extension — they might be tempted to listen if other teams inquire about some of their high-salaried veterans.

In the wake of Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending knee injury, fellow receiver Deebo Samuel is likely off the table. However, cornerback Charvarius Ward, a second-team All-Pro in 2023 who has had a rough start this season, has an expiring contract and might draw interest.

Bottom line: The 49ers aren’t really sure yet if they’re contenders or pretenders, but because their division is so winnable they’re likely to keep hope alive.

GO DEEPER

The 49ers’ shrinking window and how Brock Purdy fits (or might not): Sando’s Pick Six

Russ round 2, featuring Fields?

When the five-win Steelers host the two-win Giants on Monday Night Football, Pittsburgh will be coming off a prime-time win over the New York Jets in which Russell Wilson led the way as the new starting QB. Mike Tomlin made the call to roll with Wilson and also made the call not to use backup Justin Fields in a goal-line package against the Jets. That package has been worked on in practice, but will it be deployed this week?

The Giants’ defense averages 4.42 sacks per game, the most of any team since the 1989 Vikings. Quarterback mobility is going to be key on Monday. Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen coached with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee. The two are good friends and also know — and are prepared for — each other’s tricks.

The Steelers have a plan for Fields (left) to play a red-zone role, but will they deploy it on Monday? (Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)

One last item on Wilson since we have reported about him almost every single week in this column: I noticed on social media, usually on Tuesdays or when the team has a scheduled off day, Wilson will spend time with sick children at UPMC Children’s Hospital. I’m told he makes sure he works these visits into his schedule no matter what is going on with football. Throughout Wilson’s career, going back to 2012, he has been known for his charitable efforts, and that hasn’t slowed down. There’s still so much story to be written in his football chapter with the Steelers, but even if he doesn’t take them to the Super Bowl, Wilson has positively impacted his new city and community.

GO DEEPER

Bill Belichick’s media blitz: Seeking next coaching job or settling all family business?

1 vs. 2 — Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels — in doubt

Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will tell you he knows why fans can’t wait to see the top two picks of the 2024 draft face each other for the first time, but he says he’s just focused on getting on the field. Daniels has been getting around-the-clock treatment and is still fighting through lingering pain in his rib.

Players know that time off is the best healer, but the rookie is trying to return on Sunday. So how will the decision be made? I’m told it will be a collaborative decision from GM Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, team doctors and team training staff. There will be about five voices helping make the call, and I expect them to take this right up to game time.

GO DEEPER

Hope is dangerous in D.C., but Jayden Daniels has the Commanders believing

What’s cooking in Dallas

Jerry Jones told The Athletic the Cowboys won’t be making any trade-deadline moves, but they might make a move to the gameday roster. The owner has been adamant that he wants his Cowboys to be better in practice, so what did coach Mike McCarthy and company emphasize this last week coming off their bye week? The run game.

Through six games, Dallas has 463 yards and two touchdowns on the ground — both totals rank last in the NFL. Dalvin Cook took first-team reps this week. The Cowboys believe he is ready to roll, don’t be surprised if the veteran makes his Cowboys debut on Sunday night.

GO DEEPER

Cowboys mailbag: Why a midseason coaching change is unlikely and … hope for the future?

Hopkins Chiefs’ debut: ‘Why wait, right?’

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is ready to attack with the newest piece of his offense: Reid is incorporating Hopkins into the gameplan for this Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Raiders. The Chiefs see value in Hopkins for when plays break down. We see it all the time with Patrick Mahomes — he’ll scramble and usually look for Travis Kelce, but now they have another option. Around the league, Hopkins is considered one of the most instinctive wide receivers. The Chiefs know he’s not going to threaten defenses vertically like he once did, but he’s going to catch everything that’s thrown to him.

Hopkins could be another Travis Kelce-like presence in the Chiefs’ offense. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

One rival AFC head coach said Hopkins is “essentially the wide receiver version of Kelce as a route runner. It may not always look like it does on the diagram, but he finds a way to get open and most of the time finds a way to catch it.”

While the Chiefs made one splashy trade, I still expect them to call around for another wide receiver considering Skyy Moore is on IR. They might also be in the market for a corner.

(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)