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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, responding to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' remarkable comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach stated.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• The quarterback joined the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.