Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that he in no way intended to criticize Russell Wilson with his comments. Payton made this comment after the Broncos’ 33-32 victory against the Giants on Sunday. Wilson responded via a post on X, saying: “Classless… but not surprised… Didn’t realize you were still bounty hunting over 15 years later through the media,” followed by laughing emojis and “#LetsRide”.
The Broncos scored 33 points in the last quarter on Sunday to overcome a 19-0 deficit. Dart completed the game with 15 of 33 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a costly interception to Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad with 4:47 left to play, and was sacked four times. Payton expressed his respect for the Giants organization and his connection with the Mara and Tisch family. Wilson was a substitute after a Week 3 loss against Kansas City; Dart has been the starter since then. Wilson was traded by the Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022, but his time in Denver ended abruptly when Payton benched him for the last two games of the 2023 season. Wilson, who had an 11-19 record with the Broncos and failed to make the playoffs, was ultimately released in March 2024 despite having $85 million in dead money. Part of the resentment could stem from Wilson’s claim that the Broncos had threatened to bench him early in the 2023 season if he didn’t waive an injury guarantee in his contract. At the time, Wilson had $37 million guaranteed if he couldn’t pass a physical on the fifth day of the new league year in March 2024. After Wilson’s release, Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner denied the team had threatened to bench Wilson over the guarantee and said he had tried to negotiate “in good faith” about any potential contract adjustments. At the time, Wilson said the NFLPA “got involved” and sent a letter to the Broncos stating that such a threat would be a violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.I saw it. In the euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart. And in no way, shape, or form, was that directed at Russ. And I can see how he could perceive that. Coming off that win and seeing how Dart played, that was no intention at all.
Sean Payton
