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New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate 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 rival teams. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following the Broncos' historic comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team 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 recently and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Background of the Coach-QB Partnership

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious split between the quarterback and his coach.