Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."
Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.
At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute
The quarterback's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.
"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- The quarterback was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.
If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the quarterback and his mentor.