NFL trade rumors: How did Giants-Saints Eli Apple deal go down? What was Apple's 1st reaction?

The NFL trade deadline is in four days. We've already done several deals, including a pair by the Giants, sending cornerbacks to the New Orleans Saints and defensive tackle Damon Harrison to the Detroit Lions.

The biggest move of the week came when the Oakland Raiders sent wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys.

Joel Segal is the agent for both Cooper and Apple, Bears linebacker Khalil Mack, who was traded at the beginning of the season, and Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, who may or may not want to be moved.

Segal talked with The Athletic Jay Glazer about how the Apple deal came together and the cornerback's reaction to the news he would be packing his bags.

Glazer: There have been a few big trades so far this week but let's take the first two: Amari Cooper and Eli Apple. At what point is the agent informed that a trade is going down? Who tells you first, the team that's trading him or the team that's trading for him?

SegalIt's different when there is a contract with Khalil Mack and when it is not necessary to consummate the deal.

When a contract is not involved, the club that 's trading the player will usually tell you to give you respect before the trade is completed. So what happens with a trade for Amari or Eli? [that’s trading them away] will tell you. The general manager will know you can call your client so he does not read about it. They usually give us the opportunity to discuss it with our customers first. That's how it went down with Eli and Amari.

Glazer: What is the reaction of a player when you call to tell him he's traded? Let's take Eli Apple for example.

Segal: He was surprised. It's a huge surprise. And you immediately start talking about ramifications and the business aspect. You do not have time to be surprised for very long. Eli has got to get on a plane within a few hours of that so we do not have time to sit and dwell.

Redskins-Giants picks, predictions

Apple talked with the media in New Orleans this week, and he was positive about switching teams.

"Nothing surprises me anymore," Apple told reporters in New Orleans on Wednesday. "I would not really need it, but it's great to have one right now."

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ rosenstein73. find NJ.com on Facebook.