Overview
- Philadelphia drafted Cole Payton in the fifth round to compete for a backup role behind starter Jalen Hurts, adding another option to a crowded quarterback room.
- Head coach Nick Sirianni praised Payton’s athleticism, accuracy and QB run skills, citing a 72% completion rate in 2025 and saying the staff will see if there are early chances to use him.
- Veteran Andy Dalton and 2023 pick Tanner McKee remain on the roster, and local analysis stresses that Payton’s roster spot is not guaranteed as a rookie.
- At rookie minicamp, Payton said Hurts and McKee texted him congratulations, noted he had seen Dalton at the facility, and emphasized learning the Eagles’ system and competing.
- Payton’s North Dakota State ties prompted contact with former Eagles QB Carson Wentz, while outside analysis ranges from a long-term quarterback project to rumors of a possible position switch, and one analyst even floated that he could one day succeed Hurts.