Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.
The Cause of the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" 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 prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million extension.
- The Broncos finished 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.