Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding 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."
The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.
During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made comments after the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had told 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,'" Payton stated.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.
