OutKick and other outlets reported on September 26, 2025, that New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks responded to comments made by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. [4] Following the Buccaneers' 29-27 Week 3 victory over the Jets, Mayfield called the win "personal," stating that Wilks was the coach who cut him from the Carolina Panthers in 2022. [1, 2] Mayfield’s brief time with the Panthers ended after he was benched and then granted his release while Wilks was the interim head coach. [2, 5]
During his weekly media availability, Wilks refuted the claim that he was responsible for Mayfield's departure from Carolina. [3] Wilks stated that as an interim coach, he did not have significant control over personnel decisions, noting he would not have traded star player Christian McCaffrey if he did. [3, 4] The public disagreement stems from Mayfield's 2022 season, where he went 1-5 as a starter for the Panthers before Wilks demoted him to third string. [3]
