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

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."

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

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered remarks following Denver's historic comeback win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

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

Background of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245M contract.
• The team went 4-11 in his first season before Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from suffering an injury.

If Wilson stayed on the team by March 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly split between the quarterback and his coach.