The Cleveland Browns have a major offensive void to fill for the upcoming season.
Currently, Cleveland has one healthy quarterback on their roster as Deshaun Watson will be out most of the 2025 season recovering from an Achilles injury.
That void has sparked plenty of rumors about how the Browns will fill their void, and analysts have suggested a variety of quarterbacks either in this year’s draft class or the free agent market.
One name that’s being offered is neither a free agent nor a rookie: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Rams permitted Stafford to speak to other franchises as he attempted to find out what other organizations would pay the 37-year-old quarterback.
Are the Browns willing to pay Stafford what he’s seeking for a potential future deal?
Cleveland insider Tony Grossi does not believe there’s any interest in Stafford.
In fact, Grossi is confused by rumors that the Browns are interested in the Rams’ quarterback due to their salary cap issues.
“You can’t afford, with the way the rest of their cap is, a quarterback taking $20 million in addition to that. So I don’t see how it’s going to be done at all,” Grossi said.
Could the Browns pursue a trade for Matthew Stafford this offseason? @TonyGrossi isn't buying it…
"I don't see how it's going to be done at all" pic.twitter.com/tKbmOXI51O
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 24, 2025
Grossi pointed to Watson’s impact on the salary cap as he noted that Cleveland is looking to restructure that deal for a fourth time this year.
Watson’s salary cap hit for 2025 is roughly $73 million, but the Browns are attempting to reduce that expense with their latest round of negotiations.
The insider previously suggested Cleveland is interested in a “bridge” quarterback for 2025, someone who can play the role until the franchise decides on a future, long-term solution.
NEXT: Browns Named Among 4 Teams Showing Interest In Matthew Stafford
