First Call: Cooper Kupp latest WR trade candidate; Aaron Rodgers agrees to sign Beanie Bishop's intercepted footballs

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” we have praise for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense from New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. A familiar Steelers opponent is joining an AFC North team. Another high-profile trade prospect at wide receiver may be up for grabs.

And we check in on a pair of local college hoops stars as pro-contract decisions are being made.

Bailey is a Brown

A guy who helped shoot down the Steelers last year might be part of the answer for the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation.

The franchise signed former Chiefs and Patriots QB Bailey Zappe on Tuesday. Cleveland lost starter Deshaun Watson thanks to a ruptured Achilles tendon during Sunday’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a finger injury when he entered in relief.

So the Browns are turning to Zappe as a potential backup to Jameis Winston for their game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

As a member of the New England Patriots last season, Zappe threw for 215 yards, three touchdowns and posted a 115.2 passer rating at Acrisure Stadium en route to a 21-18 upset of the Steelers. Zappe only had six passing touchdowns in 10 games all season.

WOW! ???? Zappe to Henry AGAIN for another @Patriots TD#NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/8kv5FZRGjb

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023

Zappe was waived in New England on Aug. 28. He then joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. The Steelers face the Browns for the first time this year on Nov. 21.

On the market

Another big-name wide receiver may be on the trade market.

This summer, there was all sorts of speculation about the Steelers acquiring Brandon Aiyuk. Davante Adams and Amari Cooper just changed teams. Now the word is Los Angeles Rams’ star pass-catcher Cooper Kupp may be dealt.

The 31-year-old has missed the past four games because of an ankle injury. He is slated to return Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. He also missed five games in 2023 and eight in 2022. Kupp is a former All-Pro, Super Bowl MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

A joint report in The Athletic from Dianna Russini, Mike Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue states that the Rams have spoken with teams about a potential trade, and they may be willing to retain some of his remaining salary of $15 million for this year. Sources tell the outlet that the Rams are seeking a second-round pick. Kupp is signed through the next two years with roughly $27 million in salary remaining and an additional $12 million in total roster bonuses.

There’s no word if the Steelers are one of the teams contracted by L.A., but they should at least be willing to talk, given their lack of wide receiver options.

The asking price for Kupp doesn’t scare me. Nor does the salary. His injury history does.

More sports

• Mammoth task awaits center Ryan McCollum as he prepares for 2nd start with Steelers
• Steelers coach Mike Tomlin playing it close to vest again with his quarterback situation
• Mark Madden: Steelers, Mike Tomlin changed the game by letting Russ cook

Beanie’s request

After intercepting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers twice Sunday night, Steelers rookie Beanie Bishop said he wanted the Jets quarterback to sign the two footballs for posterity.

WHOLESOME: #Steelers rookie CB Beanie Bishop wants to get the two balls he intercepted from legendary QB Aaron Rodgers signed by Aaron himself

"We'll see how dat' goes though"

(Via NBC)
pic.twitter.com/5pwPI6ZEvV

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 21, 2024

During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers said he would do that. He also complimented the Steelers’ defensive approach to handling Adams in his first game as a Jet.

“I think they had a good plan. They played a lot of two-shell,” Rodgers said on the program. “There weren’t a lot of outside freebies. There (were) a few opportunities we had, but I think we were just kind of easing Tay in.”

"The Steelers had a good plan & there weren't a lot of outside freebies..

There was a few opportunities that we had but Davante Adams hadn't played in a couple weeks..

You're gonna see his role expand as we move forward" ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lizOVX13cK

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 22, 2024

Adams had just three catches on nine targets for 30 yards.

Where are they now?

One local college basketball star has a new professional home. Another is looking for a new spot to play.

Duquesne’s Dae Dae Grant just signed with KK Feniks 2010 Skopje of the First League North Macedonia. He becomes the fifth member of last year’s Atlantic-10 championship team to sign with a pro team over the past four months.

Grant led Duquesne in scoring during his senior season at an average of 16.4 points per game en route to earning 2024 All-Atlantic 10 Second Team honors. Grant was also named the 2024 Atlantic 10 Championship Most Outstanding Player.

As for Pitt’s Blake Hinson, he was waived by Golden State over the weekend. Hinson signed with the Warriors last month after being let go by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hinson started all 33 games for the Panthers last year. He led the team with 18.5 points per game. The senior earned First Team All-ACC honors after draining 110 3-pointers. That’s the most for one season in Panthers’ history.