Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas stepped into the spotlight Wednesday after Baker Mayfield reignited lingering tension from his Cleveland exit with a blunt social media post aimed at his former head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Mayfield claimed he was “still waiting on a text/call” from Stefanski after being traded.
He added that he was “shipped off like a piece of garbage.”
Thomas pushed back publicly, defending Stefanski and reminding fans that communication works both ways.
The Browns Hall of Famer quickly came to the protection of Stefanski, questioning the quarterback’s version of events.
“I could be wrong but I’ve heard that communication is a two-way street,” Thomas wrote.
“There were no laws against you (Baker) sending Stefanski a text or calling him after you got traded.”
The response quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans who remain divided over Mayfield’s time in Cleveland and how his departure unfolded.
Thomas’s reaction comes as the former Browns QB and coach prepare for two divisional matchups next season in the NFC South.
Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski’s Complicated Browns History
Mayfield and Stefanski’s relationship in Cleveland was productive early, but ultimately ended on bad terms.
In 2020, their first season together, Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to an 11-5 record and the franchise’s first playoff win since 1994.
Under Stefanski’s offense, Mayfield posted career highs in efficiency while throwing for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The following season told a different story.
Mayfield battled injuries, including a torn labrum, and his performance dipped.
He finished 2021 with only 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as Cleveland went 8-9.
As the year progressed, reports surfaced of growing friction, and trust between QB and coach appeared to escalate.
Cleveland ultimately pursued Deshaun Watson, and Mayfield requested a trade in 2022, landing with the Panthers.
From Mayfield’s perspective, he felt disrespected by his former coach and organization about the way his tenure ended.
A Rivalry Set to Carry Over Into 2026
What makes this social media exchange exciting is what comes next for the two.
Stefanski is now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, while Mayfield enters another season as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The former Browns quarterback and coach are now on opposite sidelines in the same division.
The Falcons and Buccaneers will meet twice next season as NFC South rivals, guaranteeing two matchups that will now be must-see TV.
The same inconsistencies Mayfield battled in Cleveland are now taking place in Tampa Bay.
This has again raised questions about his long-term future with the Bucs.
Mayfield’s first two seasons in Tampa Bay were great, leading the team to two consecutive playoff appearances.
In 2024, he threw for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns.
In 2025, Mayfield threw for 3,693 yards and only 26 touchdowns, a significant drop in production from the year before.
Mayfield’s NFL career has been defined by year to year inconsistencies, which makes 2026 a make or break year for him.
We will see if he can channel some of his anger and passion against his former head coach to better play on the field next season.
Browns Legend Fires Back at Baker Mayfield Amid Heated Kevin Stefanski Fallout