Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
It may be the offseason the Tampa Bay Bucs, but quarterback Baker Mayfield sounds as though he’s ready to suit up right now after learning that his former head coach Kevin Stefanski is now in the division with the Atlanta Falcons.
Based on Baker Mayfield’s tone, however, it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be an amicable reunion, though, but a grudge match, as the former Heisman Trophy winner remains angry over the way Kevin Stefanski “shipped him” to the Carolina Panthers “like a piece of garbage.”
In 60 games with the Browns, Mayfield had a passer rating of 87.8 with 14,125 yards, 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions before being traded to the Panthers for a 2024 conditional fifth-round draft pick in July 2022.
Baker Mayfield is excited to play his former head coach Kevin Stefanski twice a year now that he’s in the division with the Atlanta Falcons
“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,” Mayfield tweeted after learning of Stefanski landing with the Falcons.
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. https://t.co/jUUsYkvlOC
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 20, 2026
Mayfield was drafted by the Cleveland Browns out of the University of Oklahoma with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the franchise, leading the organization to its first postseason appearance since 2002, and its first playoff win since 2004.
After being sent to Carolina and going 1-5 in six starts, Mayfield spent half a season with the Los Angeles Rams and rehabbed his image with solid performances to close out the season: completing 63.6% of his passes for 850 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in four starts.
He then signed with the Bucs to be the successor to Tom Brady and has developed into the franchise QB he was expected to be, as he’s started in 17 games for the franchise in three straight seasons, and has led them to the playoffs twice.