Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield addressed ongoing speculation surrounding his relationship with coach Kevin Stefanski ahead of the new NFL season. Mayfield, who was the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Browns, rejected the notion of a serious conflict with Stefanski despite a tense social media exchange earlier this offseason involving both men.
Mayfield spent four seasons with Cleveland, including two working under Stefanski. Although their collaboration had mixed results on the field, their relationship took a downturn after the Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 following the acquisition of Deshaun Watson. With Stefanski’s recent hiring as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the rivalry will be renewed as Mayfield now starts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting up biannual matchups.
Baker Mayfield Responds to Public Comments About Their Past
The discussion reignited following comments from Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter, who criticized the quarterback situation during Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland. Ledbetter highlighted failures by both Mayfield and Watson, describing the quarterback play as a “dumpster fire” that led to widespread team disruptions.
Mayfield promptly reacted on social media, challenging the harsh assessment. He wrote,
“Failed is quite the reach pal,”
and added,
“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.”
Despite the pointed exchange, Mayfield minimized the tension in a Sports Illustrated interview conducted on radio row before Super Bowl LX. He acknowledged their shared history but framed the relationship as competitive rather than hostile.
“There’s stuff there, but it’s not like it’s beef,”
Mayfield said.
“We’ve worked together. Anytime you know somebody, you want to beat them — whether it’s a good or bad relationship.”
Similarly, Stefanski expressed respect for Mayfield, emphasizing his appreciation for rivalries without fueling controversy.
“I wouldn’t get into the specifics of the hype around things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player and as a person,”
Stefanski said. “I love rivalries.”
Current State of the Browns’ Quarterback Situation
While both Stefanski and Mayfield have moved on, the Cleveland Browns have yet to find stability at quarterback. The trade that sent Mayfield to Carolina in exchange for Deshaun Watson has been widely considered unsuccessful. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has described the deal as a significant “swing and miss.”
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the Browns have Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Watson under contract, with plans to further explore options through free agency, the draft, and potential trades. Watson’s tenure as Cleveland’s starter shows a 9-10 record, marred by lengthy absences due to suspension and injuries, including missed time last season while recovering from Achilles surgeries.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken recognizes the developmental challenges ahead but remains optimistic about tapping into Watson’s prior elite performance.
“You’ve got two young players that still have a long way to go in terms of development, and that’s part of the learning curve in the NFL,”
Monken said of Sanders and Gabriel.
“And then you’ve got a player like Deshaun, who’s coming back from injury and at one time was a Pro Bowl player, and an elite player in this league, that we would love to tap back into that.”
Watson has not completed a full season since 2020, when he earned Pro Bowl honors. During his time with the Browns, he has recorded 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, statistics reflecting a career interrupted by setbacks.
Looking Ahead: Renewed Matchups and Ongoing Challenges
The upcoming Falcons-Buccaneers games will spotlight the renewed interactions between Stefanski and Mayfield, adding an intriguing storyline for fans eager to see how both perform in new environments. Despite their history, both men appear focused on professionalism and competition rather than personal grievances.
Meanwhile, the Browns continue to search for consistency at quarterback, balancing the growth of young talents with hopes that Watson can return to his former level. The decisions Cleveland makes this offseason in the quarterback position could have lasting effects on the franchise’s prospects in the coming years.
#Falcons’ Kevin Stefanski had a dumpster fire at quarterback in Cleveland — Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson failed, which started a chain reaction to 11 other starters. QB Shedeur Sanders closed out last season with seven starts. https://t.co/nnuXs2ZCbd
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoHU) January 20, 2026
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
