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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to recent comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

The quarterback's remarks pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Exchange

Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments after Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. The coach 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 told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his mentor.