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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, reacting to latest criticism from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's response pointed to the infamous bounty scandal issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

During that period, the league found that the Saints had rewarded team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's response came after Payton delivered comments after Denver's remarkable comeback win over the Giants. Payton remarked 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 told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

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

If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was let go, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.