Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw a pass while running with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Not many guys in sports hold a grudge like Baker Mayfield.
If you’re not an all-world athlete, it’s probably not healthy to keep grudges like Mayfield has, but I believe he’s used these feuds to get to where he’s at in his career.
One of his most famous grudges comes from his first stop in the NFL. It’s well known that there’s not a lot of love lost when Mayfield speaks about his time in Cleveland.
The man hated the media, ownership, and apparently, former head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter published an article saying that Stefanski notoriously dealt with poor quarterback situations while in Cleveland.
I don’t think he’s that wrong, but comparing Deshaun Watson’s tenure to Mayfield is completely unfair to the success Baker had at his peaks while in Cleveland.
I don’t think Mayfield is too far off base when he says his time in Cleveland wasn’t a failure; however, his still not taking any accountability for how horrible his play was is exactly why he’s played on three more teams since leaving Cleveland.
Stefanski had every reason in the world to bash Mayfield in the media.
Mayfield was single-handedly costing Cleveland games in 2021, and Stefanski stuck with him through his struggles.
Cleveland then moved on from him for Watson (one of the worst decisions ever for an organization that’s made plenty), while Baker has found himself a nice home for himself in Tampa.
Yes, if Stefanski never reached out to Baker, he is in the wrong, but could Mayfield act like a grown-up for once in the media?
Stefanski has been nothing but respectful since their parting of ways, so this move just feels so trashy for Mayfield.
Also, I know Baker acts like he’s been a world beater during his time in Tampa, but over his three seasons, he’s 27-24.
He was 29-30, and if the Buccaneers played in a competent division at any point in the last three seasons, the general perception of Mayfield would be far lower than it currently is.
I’ve never been fond of Mayfield’s pettiness, and I think a quote like this might come back to bite him.
Stefanski feels like a perfect hire for a very talented Atlanta roster on the cusp of being a playoff contender.
