Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks

NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks after Denver's remarkable 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 hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer 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 long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract.
• The team finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly split between the player and his coach.