Baker Mayfield’s Past With Kevin Stefanski Still Lingers, and the Buccaneers Face Familiar Questions
Baker Mayfield isn’t one to bite his tongue, and this week, he made it clear there’s no love lost between him and new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. The two crossed paths in Cleveland, and judging by Mayfield’s recent comments, that chapter didn’t end on good terms.
Mayfield took a not-so-subtle jab at Stefanski, referencing the way the Browns traded him in 2022 - saying he was dealt “like a piece of garbage.” That’s a strong statement, but it’s also a window into how deep the rift ran between quarterback and coach during their time together in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Fallout
Let’s rewind. In 2022, the Browns opted to move on from Mayfield and make the blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson - a move that’s been under heavy scrutiny ever since.
While the Watson experiment has floundered, Mayfield’s exit wasn’t exactly clean, either. According to reports, Mayfield played a role in the breakdown between himself and the Browns’ front office.
After the 2021 season, Mayfield reportedly went dark on the organization - not returning calls from team personnel, including owner Jimmy Haslam. That kind of silence from a franchise quarterback doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when the team is weighing its future at the position.
One source close to Mayfield put it bluntly: “If your wife stopped talking to you for weeks, eventually you’re going to ask for a divorce.” That analogy may be a bit dramatic, but it paints the picture - communication between Mayfield and the Browns had broken down well before Watson entered the picture.
Adding to the tension, Mayfield gutted through the 2021 season with a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He was clearly limited, and the offense sputtered.
One Monday night in Pittsburgh stood out - Mayfield was sacked nine times in a brutal loss to the Steelers. Some close to the situation even wondered if the team was hanging him out to dry.
Behind the scenes, the relationship between Mayfield and Stefanski was reportedly strained throughout that 2021 season. The two never seemed to get fully in sync, and by the time the Browns made their move for Watson, the writing was already on the wall.
Déjà Vu in Tampa Bay?
Fast forward to this past season in Tampa Bay, and there’s a sense of déjà vu. Mayfield once again battled through a non-throwing shoulder injury, and once again, his team stumbled down the stretch.
After a 6-2 start, the Buccaneers finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. It’s a familiar script - early promise, physical setbacks, and tough questions heading into the offseason.
Now, the Bucs are staring down a decision the Browns once faced: Is Baker Mayfield the long-term answer?
He’s entering the final year of his contract, and while he’s been a solid presence in Tampa, the question remains - is he worth a top-tier quarterback deal? That’s not an easy call for a franchise that’s trying to stay competitive in a wide-open NFC South.
Head coach Todd Bowles is also under pressure. Another sub-.500 season could put him on the hot seat, and quarterback stability will be a major factor in whether this team can bounce back. For now, the hope is that Mayfield can get back to full strength and recapture the form that made him one of the league’s most compelling comeback stories just a year ago.
The Bigger Picture
Mayfield’s career has never lacked for drama. From Heisman winner to No. 1 overall pick, from playoff hero in Cleveland to being cast aside, and now trying to cement his place in Tampa - it’s been a winding road.
And the tension with Stefanski? It’s not just personal; it’s part of a larger narrative about how Mayfield’s career has unfolded.
As he enters a pivotal season, the questions are as big as ever. Can he stay healthy?
Can he lead a team deep into January? And perhaps most importantly - can he finally find the long-term home that’s eluded him since he entered the league?
The answers will shape not just his future, but the direction of the Buccaneers franchise as well.