The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason has been filled with plenty of change, but with the 2026 NFL Draft on the back burner, it's given fans the chance to dive deep into the new class. The Eagles added several playmakers, but their fifth-round pick could be a winner for this team, especially down the line.
With the No. 178 overall pick, Philadelphia selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton. Although they have Jalen Hurts as the clear QB1, the backup spot long term has some serious questions, and Payton could provide this team with an answer.
Cole Payton Gives Eagles a Long Term Backup QB in 5th Round
Tanner McKee is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Eagles have floated his name in trade talks, but were reportedly asking for a second-round pick. No one bit on that price, but with him slated to hit free agency in 2027, you'd have to assume someone will outbid the Eagles to get him. They also traded for Andy Dalton, but he's 38 years old. He won't be on the team longer than a year or two.
That's what makes the addition of Payton all the more intriguing. He's a dual-threat weapon that stands at 6'2" and weighs 237 pounds. Payton has a strong arm that can drive the ball and pick up chunk plays with his legs. He was a one-year starter at North Dakota State in 2025, completing 72 percent of his attempts for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Payton also had 777 rushing yards (5.7 yards per carry) and 13 scores on the ground.
He does need patience to develop, making this an ideal landing spot for Payton. There's no pressure to play at all in 2026, and with multiple options that could be thrust into action before him, this will basically be a redshirt year for him. For a player with his tools, this is perfect for Payton and will allow him to hone in on his skills.
General manager Howie Roseman is known for taking players at positions before it's a true need, and they did it again with this selection. It's also worth noting that he could develop into another cost-effective backup as McKee did. Payton is on a four-year, $4.62 million deal that keeps him signed through the 2029 season. If he can develop into the caliber of player many believe he's capable of, he'll give the Eagles a solid QB2 option capable of being a spot starter if needed. And that's a very valuable asset in today's NFL.
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