NFL Trade Rumors: Biggest ‘Issue’ Hindering Matthew Stafford Pursuits

It’s apparently not the payment to Matthew Stafford, it’s the price for him.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike” on Tuesday morning and offered some intel on the trade rumors engulfing Stafford. The veteran quarterback reportedly isn’t thrilled with his contract, which prompted the Rams to give him permission to try and find out what other teams would pay him.

“I think any team interested in Matthew Stafford is going to be willing to pay for Matthew Safford, that’s not an issue,” Schefter said on ESPN Radio, as transcribed by Steelers Depot. “The issue then is, OK, well you can satisfy Matthew Stafford, but what is the price that you’re paying to the Rams?”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have “shown interest” in Stafford, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. It hasn’t been reported what Pittsburgh would be willing to trade for Stafford, but Los Angeles reportedly would ask for a first-round pick.

“And that’s where I think things begin to bog down a little bit,” Schefter said. “Unless there’s a team that steps forward and makes it such that they make the decision simple for the Rams and they say, ‘Boy, we love Matthew Stafford. We want to take your partner. We’re willing to pay your partner and we value them so much that we’re going to compensate you accordingly.’ That has not happened so far.”

Perhaps trade talks will ramp up this week as executives, coaches, agents and media members travel to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.