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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest criticism from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered remarks after Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had told 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 well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The team finished 4-11 in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for 2025 would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.