Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.