Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.
