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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks pointed to the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks following Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.