Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has accused former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski of treating him like 'garbage' after being traded in 2022. The remarks came after a report quoted Stefanski saying both Mayfield and Deshaun Watson had 'failed' in Cleveland.
Mayfield responded on social media on Tuesday, writing: 'Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can't wait to see you twice a year, Coach.' The two are now divisional rivals following Stefanski's appointment as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.
Mayfield, the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, led the Browns to the playoffs in Stefanski's debut season in 2020 and secured the franchise's first postseason victory in 26 years. However, he struggled with inconsistency, throwing 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 2019. After being traded to Carolina, he had spells with the Los Angeles Rams before revitalising his career with Tampa Bay, earning two Pro Bowl selections and leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024.
Stefanski, a two-time AP Coach of the Year, was sacked by the Browns after six seasons and hired by Atlanta less than two weeks later. Mayfield's next opportunity to face his former coach on the field will come in the 2025 NFL season.
