Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments

NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

The quarterback's response pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the player and his coach.