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

"Tasteless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

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

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

The Cause of the Recent Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before the team hired Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the player from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.