The Philadelphia Eagles have a Super Bowl-winning starting quarterback in Jalen Hurts. They also drafted intriguing prospect Tanner McKee three years ago and traded for former longtime starter Andy Dalton this offseason. Quarterback isn’t exactly a major need in Philadelphia.
But Eagles have those signal-callers because general manager Howie Roseman has been one of the more proactive executives at acquiring quarterbacks in recent memory. Roseman could be at it again in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported Saturday the Eagles have “met extensively” with North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton.
“Quarterback Cole Payton visited [the] Steelers [and] Colts per source, and has met extensively with [the] Eagles, Cardinals, [and] Jets per source,” Wilson posted on social media. “Payton completed 71.2 percent of his throws as a senior for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, four Interceptions.
“Rushed for 2,069 career yards, 31 touchdowns. Ran 4.56 NFL Combine with 40-inch vertical leap.”
Payton started just one season at North Dakota State. But NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called him “poised beyond” his experience level. Zierlein was also complimentary of the quarterback’s running ability.
He will arrive in the NFL as a raw talent. But in Philadelphia, Payton wouldn’t have to play immediately even if Hurts suffered an injury during 2026.
“Payton is a dual-threat, single-season FCS starter with good size,” wrote Zierlein. “He’s a lefty with shoddy mechanics and subpar arm talent, but he still manages to deliver throws with touch to all three levels.
“Payton projects as a QB3 and will require packaged plays to take advantage of his rushing ability until he proves himself a functional pocket passer.”
Eagles Doing Homework on North Dakota State’s Cole Payton
GettyNFL insider Aaron Wilson reported the Philadelphia Eagles “met extensively with projected Day 3 quarterback prospect Cole Payton.
As Wilson explained, several teams are doing their research into Payton. Philadelphia would be a particularly intriguing landing spot for him because the Eagles once traded up to draft former North Dakota State signal-caller Carson Wentz.
While Wentz flamed out in Philadelphia, he had an MVP-type season in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury. Wentz had the Eagles in Super Bowl contender in December of that campaign.
Backup Nick Foles then assumed the starting quarterback job and led the team to its first Super Bowl title.
Payton registered 2,719 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions last season. He also had 777 rushing yards with 13 scores on the ground.
During the FCS regular season, Payton led the Bison to a perfect 12-0 record. The team, though, lost in the second round of the FCS playoffs after its bye.
Payton is one of several quarterbacks who could hear his named called in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Payton the No. 6 signal-caller in the entire draft class.
After No. 1 QB Fernando Mendoza, though, pundits generally consider the 2026 quarterback class rather weak. Signal-callers such as Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, Payton and Taylen Green, who Kiper ranked No. 3-7 on his 2026 QB rankings, could be anywhere from third to fifth-round selections.
Could Eagles Add Payton to QB Depth in 2026 NFL Draft?
GettyNFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton to be a fourth or fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Roseman clearly believes in quality quarterback depth. So despite already having quality depth behind center, Payton could be a possibility for the Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s unlikely the Eagles view Payton as a future starter. But with McKee entering a contract season this fall, it’s possible Philadelphia could add a quarterback in the 2026 draft to prepare for his potential departure.
Some pundits this offseason have also suggested the Eagles could trade McKee. The team would have the opportunity to pursue that option with Payton added as a QB3 behind Dalton.
Payton stands at just over 6-foot-2 and a half and 232 pounds. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds.
Eagles ‘Met Extensively’ With Poised Dual-Threat QB in 2026 NFL Draft: Report