Russini’s what I’m hearing about NFL trade deadline: 13 players, 18 teams to watch closely

by time news usa

The ‍NFL’s toughest people aren’t always found on the field. In a week⁤ dominated by discussions surrounding a young quarterback who tapped out before ​a third-down play and a grandstanding‌ defensive back who might have blown ‍it on a Hail Mary, the most resilient, poised person in the ‍NFL might have been a 58-year-old woman.

As the Dallas Cowboys prepared for a pivotal road clash against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday evening, word spread in‍ the visitors’ locker room that something was amiss. Players and ⁤coaches heard rumblings of a car accident that had imperiled a member ⁢of the team’s traveling party and that the person was being evaluated⁢ by medical personnel. The car was ⁣totaled. There was talk of a broken rib and a possible trip to the hospital. But Charlotte Jones was not missing this game.

Jones, the team’s executive vice president​ and chief​ branding ⁤officer, had, in fact,⁤ fractured a rib after an abruptly deployed rising⁢ barricade ⁢throttled the SUV she was riding ​in. Her younger brother, Jerry Jones Jr., suffered a head ⁣injury. This was all inside the stadium a few hours before kickoff.

Despite being in severe pain — over the⁢ years, I’ve spoken to dozens of players with fractured ribs, ⁤and most can barely laugh without piercing pain or breathe comfortably — Charlotte Jones took her⁢ spot in the family suite. She is pushing through pain while other NFL ⁤executives around the league are‍ locked in at an ⁢important time of the year.

The ​trade deadline is looming, and even now, many ‌franchises are still deciding whether to be buyers or sellers. In Dallas, there’s a lot of uncertainty about how the ​rest ‌of 2024 will play out. ‍They aren’t expected to make any moves before Tuesday’s deadline. I ⁢am, however, keeping‌ close watch on a ⁣handful of teams as the deadline approaches, ‍specifically the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee ‍Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots.

Trade deadline secrets, not-so-secrets and surprises

Let’s rip through some of the chatter coming into this​ weekend while keeping in mind Sunday’s games could spark ⁣some teams to ⁢get aggressive. As⁣ one team executive put it: “Seems like bargain-bin stuff for​ now, but possibly on Monday we could see some bigger-name players ‍moved. Maybe.”

  • It’s no secret Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been ‌hunting for an edge rusher since⁣ losing Aidan ​Hutchinson to a season-ending injury. The ⁣team has checked in with numerous teams around the league, including Cleveland‌ with hopes of landing Za’Darius Smith.
  • Surprise! The team ‌that has only acquired two ⁢players via trade in⁢ 52 years is looking to do some shopping. This isn’t ⁤the Bengals’ style,​ but they have strong belief in this team and intend to get back to at least the AFC Championship game. ⁣Despite sitting at 3-5,⁢ Cincinnati⁢ has been poking around in search of a cornerback⁤ and a defensive lineman to get defensive coordinator Lou ‌Anarumo some help.
  • It’s no surprise the red-hot Washington Commanders are calling around in ⁣search of a corner. Coach⁤ Dan Quinn knows this ⁣is a weakness on his‍ roster, and at 6-2, Washington needs help if they want to get past the Philadelphia ⁣Eagles and their superb receiver group‌ in the NFC East.
  • It’s known‌ around ‌the league that the New York Giants, sitting in last‌ place in the NFC East,⁢ are shopping young⁣ edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. Teams that⁤ are keeping an eye on ‌the 24-year-old include the⁢ Falcons, Cardinals and Bengals. The Giants are already paying Brian Burns ⁢and spent⁢ a top-five ‌pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux.
  • This isn’t​ breaking any news, but⁢ it makes sense: ‍The Denver Broncos love what‌ they are building with their young players, especially after their best offensive performance of⁤ the season. ‌Still, I don’t ​expect the ‌Broncos to be buyers or sellers. You can add the Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills​ and New Orleans Saints to this group.
  • The New York Jets have received calls⁣ about the availability of⁢ wideout Garrett Wilson and corner D.J. Reed, but after Thursday night’s ​win, I don’t expect New York to move them.
  • Teams have ⁤called the⁣ Miami Dolphins to check in on Calais Campbell. Calls have also been made to the Green Bay⁢ Packers regarding Preston Smith, especially with the need ⁣for pass rushers across the league.
  • The Atlanta Falcons have struggled rushing the passer despite the moves they made in the offseason. GM Terry Fontenot knows ​they need help, so⁢ it’s no surprise they are exploring ⁣options.
  • It’s no surprise the Los Angeles Rams are trying to move cornerback Tre’Davious‍ White. Despite being open to moving wideout Cooper Kupp this⁣ time⁤ last week, I don’t expect them‍ to​ trade the veteran.
  • No surprise: The Pittsburgh Steelers — who were in on Brandon Aiyuk ‍and later Davante​ Adams — are​ still looking for a receiver.
  • The Kansas⁢ City⁤ Chiefs‌ already made their⁣ moves, and it was no surprise GM Brett Veach pulled off two trades before we even reached the deadline. Kansas City added wideout⁢ DeAndre ⁢Hopkins⁢ and linebacker Joshua ⁣Uche.

Latest ​on Lamar, Love and Puka

Packers quarterback Jordan Love is listed as questionable ⁢as he deals with a groin injury, but he‌ is‍ expected to play against the Lions, per a league source.

Ravens QB Lamar‌ Jackson missed⁣ two days ​of practice with back and knee soreness. He returned to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday ‌against the Broncos.

Rams wideout⁢ Puka Nukua is dealing‌ with a knee injury, but it isn’t considered a⁣ major issue — it was described to me as “nothing crazy.” I expect him to be back⁢ in the lineup against the Seahawks.

Peak witching hour

If you’re looking for a little time on Sunday afternoons⁤ to get yard work or grocery shopping done, make sure ⁢you’re back in front of your TV for the fourth quarter. Twenty-five games this year have been decided by ‍a game-winning score in the⁢ final two minutes of​ regulation or in overtime, including five ​last week: wins for Arizona, Cleveland, Green ⁢Bay, New England, and Washington.

(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)

Interview: The Resilience ⁤of the NFL ‌- ‌A Conversation with Charlotte ‌Jones

Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today,⁢ we’re diving ⁢deep into the world of the NFL, focusing ‍not⁢ just on the players on the ⁤field, but on the incredible resilience that ‌exists⁢ behind the scenes. I’m thrilled to be⁣ here with ‍Charlotte Jones, the Executive Vice President and⁣ Chief Branding Officer of‌ the Dallas Cowboys. Charlotte, thank you⁣ for​ joining us!

Charlotte ⁣Jones: Thank you for having me! ⁤It’s great to be here.

Editor: Last‌ week, you​ experienced a harrowing car accident just ⁣before a pivotal game ‍against⁢ the San Francisco ‌49ers. Can you ‌share with ⁢us what went⁤ through your ⁤mind when ‌you first heard about the accident?

Charlotte: Well, it was definitely a shocking moment. I found myself in pain, but my priority was the⁤ game. I felt ‌a sense of responsibility to ⁤be ⁣there for my team and family, and I knew ⁤that despite the circumstances, ‌I had to‍ show my⁣ support.

Editor: ⁣Your dedication is truly inspiring, especially ⁤considering you suffered a fractured rib. How did you manage to push through and‍ attend the game while dealing with such discomfort?

Charlotte: ​ It wasn’t easy by⁣ any means. I’ve ⁢spoken to players who’ve dealt with similar injuries, and I understood ​the challenges. ​But‍ I focused on the bigger picture—I had an ⁤amazing team to support and a community of fans who count on us. Plus, it⁣ was important ⁢to me to be present for my ‌brother, Jerry, during what he was going through as well.

Editor: ​The NFL trade deadline was on everyone’s mind that week. How do you balance the emotional and ⁣physical strains of the game with strategic⁢ decisions about player acquisitions and‍ trades?

Charlotte: It’s definitely ⁣a balancing act. The energy and adrenaline​ of⁤ the ‌game can sometimes overshadow the ‍strategizing we need ​to do off the field. When you​ think about ⁢trades and acquisitions, you realize it’s not just about the players; it’s about the long-term vision for the team and how we can dynamically build​ towards our goals.

Editor: Speaking of​ strategies, there has been a lot of talk about potential trades across the league. What are some ‍key factors‍ that influence these decisions, ⁢especially during such a ​crucial time?

Charlotte: Well, many teams ‌are in different positions, whether they are looking to capitalize​ on a strong start, like Washington, or‍ trying to regroup, like ‍Cincinnati. It’s critical to assess the current performance ⁢and future potential of players, considering injuries,⁣ team chemistry, and how those fit into our long-term plans.

Editor: Let’s talk a bit about resilience—both physical and mental. In‌ your view, what separates ‍the toughest individuals in ⁣the NFL from the rest?

Charlotte: Resilience in ‌the NFL isn’t just about physical toughness; it’s a combination of mental strength and⁤ emotional intelligence. Those ‌who can withstand pressure, adapt ‍to‍ changing circumstances‍ and keep their⁢ focus on the goal ⁣tend⁣ to thrive. Look at​ our players — they embody that spirit every⁢ Sunday.

Editor: It’s impressive how you’ve blended your personal experiences into your professional life. What do you hope your ‌story conveys to others about resilience?

Charlotte: ⁤ I hope it‌ shows that ‍resilience can be nurtured. Whether you’re facing physical challenges or ‍navigating tough decisions ​in business, embracing adversity can lead⁣ to growth. I believe that when we push⁤ through ​our pain, we reach new heights, not just for ourselves ⁤but for ​everyone involved with ​us.

Editor: ⁣Thank you ⁣for⁣ sharing your insights, Charlotte. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience is a multi-dimensional​ quality ⁢that can inspire ‌both⁤ on and‍ off the field.

Charlotte: Thank you‌ for having me. Let’s‌ keep pushing forward!

Editor: Absolutely! That’s a wrap ‍for ​today—turns out, resilience is at the heart of ⁤NFL culture, ⁤both on and off the field. ​Thank you for tuning in!

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