Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told 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 well after our game,'" Payton stated.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.
