Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 victory over the Giants. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
