Baker Mayfield had a significant source of motivation fueling his performance during his encounter with the Jets last season.
In the latest installment of Netflix’s docuseries “Quarterback,” the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ signal-caller delves deep into his past dealings with Steve Wilks, the former Jets defensive coordinator. Wilks, who briefly took on the role of interim head coach in Carolina, was at the helm when Mayfield faced a career setback, leading to his release in 2022.
“This is personal for me. Wilks cut me. F— him,” Mayfield boldly declared during a huddle ahead of the intense Week 3 matchup.
Mayfield shed light on the history behind their tension in an interview for “Quarterback,” stating, “[Wilks] was the defensive coordinator there, and then he was the interim head coach, which is kind of where things started to take a downward spiral in our relationship.”
“I could tell that I was not his favorite, which is fine, but the only thing you can really ask for in this business is to be upfront and honest,” Mayfield said. “When I was going to be released, or inactive first, they asked me what I wanted to do, that they would grant me my release, and I was like, ‘Listen, if you want me to ask for my release, I’ll say it, but if you’re going to cut me, just tell me that.’ … He’s ultimately the one that made that decision, that I wasn’t gonna be active.”
Mayfield led a game-winning field goal drive to beat the Jets 29-27 in that revenge game. Postgame, Mayfield referenced the iciness with Wilks.
“Also their D-coordinator was the one that cut me in Carolina. Lot of stuff was personal today. Haason Reddick, former Jet. … Lot of people,” he mused.
Wilks responded days later.
“I don’t really think an interim head coach has much authority over personnel,” Wilks told reporters. “If that’s the case, I wouldn’t have gotten rid of our best player, Christian McCaffrey.”
Mayfield, who landed with the Rams for the rest of 2022, has since revived his career, leading Tampa Bay to two playoff appearances and generating MVP talks after a 5-1 start last season.