Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford Turned Down Two Cincinnati Bengals' Rivals That Wanted to Trade for Him

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 10:49 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns tried to land Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford, but the veteran signal-caller turned them down.

"Raiders had a lot of internal optimism early in the week," Benjamin Allbright tweeted. "Giants tried but Stafford wasn’t interested. Pittsburgh and Cleveland called, no interest from Stafford."

That means Stafford, who ultimately agreed to a restructured deal with the Rams to stay in Los Angeles, was more interested in the Raiders than the Browns or Steelers.

Stafford is 34-23 in the regular season with the Rams and has led Los Angeles to three playoff appearances in four years—including a 23-20 win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

Meanwhile, the Browns could draft their quarterback of the future with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers may bring back Russell Wilson or look at other proven veteran options.

Raiders had a lot of internal optimism early in the week. Giants tried but Stafford wasn’t interested.

Pitt and Cle called, no interest from Stafford. https://t.co/KT6JLmobQ0
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 28, 2025