🔗 Share this article Giants QB Wilson Responds at Ex-Mentor Sean Payton Regarding Quarterback Comments New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton. "Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media." The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints. At that time, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season. What Sparked the Latest Exchange Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB. Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart. "I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented. Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million extension. The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting. Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury. If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.