Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M extension.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
