Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield took to social media Tuesday to remind new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski of an old grievance: the coach never reached out after Cleveland traded him in 2022.
At a Glance
- Mayfield says Stefanski never texted or called after the Browns dealt him to Carolina.
- The two will now face each other twice a season in the NFC South.
- Why it matters: A high-profile quarterback-coach rift adds spice to divisional games and highlights lingering tensions from Mayfield’s Cleveland exit.
The Social-Media Jab
In a post on X, Mayfield wrote: “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 comment came minutes after a user called Stefanski’s Cleveland tenure a “failed” stint; Mayfield replied that “failed” was “quite the reach” before pivoting to his unresolved grudge.
Draft-Day Promise, Playoff Peak
Cleveland selected Mayfield first overall in 2018 after he won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. His rookie numbers still stand out:
- 3,725 passing yards
- 27 touchdown passes, an NFL rookie record at the time
In 2020, Stefanski’s first season as head coach, Mayfield guided the Browns to their first playoff berth in 17 years and their first postseason victory in 26 years.
Roller-Coaster Numbers
Consistency eluded Mayfield in Cleveland. A snapshot:
| Season | TDs | INTs | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 22 | 21 | 6-10 |
| 2020 | 26 | 8 | 11-5 |
| 2021 | 17 | 13 | 8-9 |
Trade, Crossroads, Revival
After the 2021 season Cleveland traded him to Carolina. His stint with the Panthers lasted only part of 2022 before he landed in Tampa Bay. There, Mayfield reignited his career:
- Led the Buccaneers to playoff berths in 2023 and 2024
- Threw for 4,000+ yards in back-to-back seasons
A late-season slide in 2025 kept Tampa Bay out of this year’s postseason.
Stefanski’s Quick Rebound
Stefanski coached Cleveland for six seasons, compiling a 54-52 regular-season record. The Browns fired him after the 2025 campaign. Within 11 days the Falcons hired him to replace Raheem Morris, setting up twice-yearly showdowns with Mayfield inside the NFC South.
Divisional Implications
The Falcons and Buccaneers meet in Week 3 and Week 12 of the 2026 regular season. Mayfield’s public call-out ensures those games will carry extra story lines:
- A quarterback seeking personal vindication
- A coach aiming to validate Atlanta’s quick commitment
- Playoff aspirations for both franchises after 2025 disappointments
League-Wide Coaching Carousel
Stefanski’s hiring was one of several moves this January. Other vacancies remain as more than a dozen teams look to change fortunes. The Las Vegas Raiders, holders of the No. 1 overall pick after a 3-14 season, are still searching for a new coach.
Key Takeaways
- Mayfield’s grievance is public, specific, and unresolved.
- Divisional matchups now carry a personal feud.
- Both player and coach enter 2026 with something to prove.
Ryan J. Thompson reported; News Of Fort Worth published the original story.
