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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this week, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "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 2009-11, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making hard hits on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told team 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 the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos went 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

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