Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Over Jaxson Dart Remarks
NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... 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 remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.
The Cause of the Latest Dispute
Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
- The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the player and his mentor.
