🔗 Share this article

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

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 victory over the New York. Payton remarked that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over 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,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson joined the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson remained 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 coach.