Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension.
- The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.
