It’s no secret that Baker Mayfield’s time in Cleveland after being selected No. 1 overall by the Browns in 2018 did not end on good terms, and those lingering feelings toward the organization appear to remain very much alive.
While Mayfield has since found a home in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers — emerging as one of the more productive quarterbacks at the position over the past three seasons — he’ll now face a familiar figure twice a year after the Atlanta Falcons hired former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
On Tuesday, Mayfield took to social media to respond after retweeting a post suggesting Stefanski was left with a “dumpster fire” at quarterback in Cleveland, referencing both Mayfield and Deshaun Watson.
Mayfield fired back with a direct shot at Stefanski, revealing he was still unhappy that his former coach never reached out after he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
“Failed is quite the reach, pal,” Mayfield wrote. “Still waiting on a text or call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.”
More news: Aaron Rodgers Could Play Final NFL Season With This NFC Powerhouse
More news: John Harbaugh Comments on QB Jaxson Dart After Being Named Giants Head Coach
Mayfield spent roughly four and a half seasons in Cleveland, with the 2018 and 2019 seasons coming under head coach Freddie Kitchens, who was fired and replaced by Stefanski ahead of the 2020 season.
Notably, Mayfield’s best year with the Browns came in 2020 during Stefanski’s first season as head coach. He threw for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, leading Cleveland to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.
The following two seasons saw a downturn, though Mayfield spent much of the 2021 campaign playing through a torn labrum in his shoulder — an injury that impacted his performance and ultimately his future with the organization.
Clearly, his ending in Cleveland is something Mayfield has carried with him. After brief stints with the Panthers and Rams, many believed he might never receive another legitimate opportunity to start for an NFL franchise.
However, Tampa Bay has been a blessing in disguise. The Buccaneers reached the playoffs in two of his three seasons as the starter, and he also earned two Pro Bowl selections during that span.
More news: NFL Analyst Warns 49ers Are in ‘Gigantic Trouble’ After Saleh Exit
