Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team 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 well after our game,'" the coach stated.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.
