The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton with the 178th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding another signal-caller to a room already anchored by Jalen Hurts.
Payton, a 6-foot-2, 232-pound left-handed passer, spent five seasons with the Bison, emerging as a starter only in his final year after four seasons backing up Cam Miller. In 13 career starts, he threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores, setting school records for total offense per game (268.9) and yards per play (9.71). He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the FCS’ top offensive player.
The Eagles now carry four quarterbacks on their roster: Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP; veteran Andy Dalton; Tanner McKee, set to become a free agent after this season; and Payton, a developmental project with dual-threat traits. NBC Sports noted that Payton drew interest as a potential tight end conversion before the 2025 season, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic, highlighting the versatility teams saw in his frame and skill set.
Bleeding Green Nation pointed out the irony of the Eagles returning to North Dakota State a decade after trading up for Carson Wentz, the former franchise quarterback who was ultimately succeeded by Hurts. The selection echoes past Eagles willingness to take quarterbacks when few expected it — much like the surprise pick of Hurts in 2020 — reinforcing the organization’s self-described identity as a “QB factory.”
For more on this story, see 2026 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings and Scouting Reports.
Analysts project Payton as a long-term QB3, unlikely to challenge Hurts for snaps but valuable for his rushing ability in designed packages. His mechanics and arm talent are considered subpar for pro play, with limited drive velocity and timing against complex zone coverage, though he shows touch at all levels and explosive straight-line speed once he gains momentum. The Eagles’ recent hiring of offensive assistants with quarterback development experience suggests he may be groomed behind the scenes.
With McKee’s impending free agency and Dalton’s role as a bridge option, Payton could ascend to QB2 if the Eagles choose not to retain McKee or trade Dalton. Still, his immediate value lies in providing depth and a project for the coaching staff to mold, rather than immediate contribution.
Why did the Eagles draft another quarterback when they already have Jalen Hurts?
The Eagles view quarterback depth and development as ongoing priorities, not reflections on Hurts’ standing. Selecting Payton does not indicate a lack of faith in their starter but rather continues a pattern of adding young signal-callers for future flexibility, especially with Tanner McKee set to hit free agency.
What role is Cole Payton expected to play for the Eagles?
Payton is projected as a developmental QB3 who will likely contribute through designed rushing packages until he improves his pocket passing mechanics and timing against professional defenses, with his value tied more to long-term project potential than immediate impact.
