Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared 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 scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.
Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.
Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the player and his mentor.
