Baker Mayfield has recently addressed his earlier comments directed at Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. Initially expressing frustration over his departure from Cleveland via social media, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has now softened his stance.
During a radio row appearance leading up to Super Bowl LX, Mayfield reflected on his January remarks. He stated, “We”ve worked together. Anytime you know somebody, you want to beat them, whether it”s a good or bad relationship.” He emphasized that his motivation to compete against the Falcons in the upcoming season is rooted in reclaiming dominance in the NFC South, rather than seeking vengeance against Stefanski.
“Not a revenge game in the sense of Atlanta, but we lost the division for the first time in four or five years, so any divisional game will be a revenge game, I guess,” Mayfield explained. His earlier comments, which included a pointed message about feeling undervalued after being traded, reflected deeper issues he had with the way his time in Cleveland ended. He had previously tweeted, “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 was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft and made an immediate impact with the Browns, breaking rookie records for touchdown passes. However, his time in Cleveland was tumultuous, with three head coaches in three years before Stefanski”s arrival in 2020. Together, they led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in two decades and secured a playoff victory, the team”s first since 1994. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Mayfield in 2021, contributing to a disappointing 8-9 season. Following that, he was traded to Carolina for a conditional pick and later found success in Tampa.
Stefanski responded to the situation, expressing his respect for Mayfield as both a player and a person. He remarked, “I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. That”s a great team with a great player.” The Falcons have performed well, boasting a record of 4-2 since Mayfield took over the Buccaneers, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup next season.
With these developments, the rivalry between the Buccaneers and the Falcons is expected to become even more compelling as both teams vie for supremacy in the division.
