Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton clarified on Wednesday that his recent comments were not intended to criticize Russell Wilson. Payton made these statements after the Broncos’ 33-32 victory against the Giants on Sunday. The coach explained that his words focused on the performance of the Giants’ young quarterback, Jaxson Dart, and not Wilson.
Wilson responded to Payton’s comments with a post on X on Tuesday, expressing his discontent and calling the comments “classless”. Payton admitted to having seen Wilson’s post and explained that his post-game comments were motivated by Dart’s performance. In the game, Dart completed 15 of 33 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw a crucial interception. Payton also expressed his respect for the Giants organization, recalling his years there and his relationship with the Mara and Tisch families. Wilson was benched as the starter after the Week 3 loss to Kansas City. Wilson was traded from the Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022, but his time in Denver ended abruptly when he was benched by Payton with two games remaining in the 2023 season. Wilson, who had an 11-19 record with the Broncos and failed to reach 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 adjustment. At the time, Wilson said the NFLPA “got involved” and sent a letter to the Broncos indicating that such a threat would be a violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.In no case, form, or manner, did I want to criticize Russ.
Sean Payton
