Giants QB Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, responding to recent criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.
During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.
What Sparked the Recent Exchange
Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's historic 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed 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 change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.
Context of the Coach-QB Partnership
- Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
- The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
- Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.
Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.
