Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.
The Cause of the Latest Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. The coach suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team 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 well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.
