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

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

The quarterback's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• Payton benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his coach.