Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
If Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.
