The Philadelphia Eagles drafted a new quarterback. Cole Payton, formerly of North Dakota State, was taken in the fifth round to compete for the backup job behind Jalen Hurts. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are still on the roster, as well, but Payton has all the physical tools you could want and a strong year of production with the Bison.
Point is, the Eagles have even more options now. In 2025, Payton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions, while completing 72.0 percent of his passes. He added 777 rushing yards and 13 more touchdowns on the ground.
New Philadelphia Eagles QB Cole Payton on the Message from former Eagles QB Carson Wentz
GettyMOBILE, AL – JANUARY 31: Quarterback Cole Payton #9 of North Dakota State (now of the Philadelphia Eagles) from the National Team takes a selfie photo with fan prior to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 31, 2026 in Mobile, Alabama. The American Team defeated the National Team 17 to 9. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Of course, Payton isn’t the first quarterback out of North Dakota State the Eagles have drafted. Carson Wentz was the No. 2 overall pick back in 2017, and he had a few great years in Philadelphia back in the day.
“So, obviously, we didn’t cross paths at [North Dakota State], but Carson’s a great dude, and I got to chat with him a little bit,” Payton said in his press conference on Thursday. “We’re actually with the same agency, so when I was down training in southern California, he was down there for a little bit [too]. Yeah, he’s just a great dude, tough football player, and I’m excited to follow in his footsteps for sure.”
Scouting Report on New Eagles QB Cole Payton
For my final position rankings series for NFL Trade Rumors, I had this to say on Payton:
“[Payton’s] athleticism shows up on the field, where he’s the most dynamic rushing threat at the quarterback position in this class,” I wrote. “When he gets moving, he can fly through defenses, gashing them for huge chunk plays. He knows how to keep his large frame low and use leverage to his advantage — he’s devastating in short-yardage and goal-line situations with a natural feel for finding little gaps and pressing with plus lower-body strength.”
“A lefty quarterback, Payton is great at throwing the deep ball, with natural touch and feel to drop the ball in the right spots. He’s effective on the move, throwing with accuracy and timing to hit his marks and give his receivers a chance after the catch. Under pressure, Payton thrives, standing tough in the pocket to deliver difficult passes and never wavering. He consistently makes smart decisions and isn’t afraid to throw the ball away or eat a sack if it means avoiding a potential interception.”
Of course, the Eagles took Payton in the fifth round. Expectations should be kept to a minimum for his rookie season, and there’s a chance he doesn’t even make the team. But Philadelphia has had success with developmental projects at quarterback in the past, so you never know.
New Eagles QB Cole Payton Shares Carson Wentz Message After Draft