🔗 Share this article Russell Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Remarks New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton. "Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press." The quarterback's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints. At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season. The Cause of the Recent Exchange The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback. Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart. "I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented. Context of the Coach-QB Relationship Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension. The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary. Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the quarterback from getting injured. Had Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.