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Why Eagles drafting Cole Payton points to QB trade, Jalen Hurts backup change
TL;DR
The Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Cole Payton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, indicating potential changes in their QB lineup. Payton, a left-handed athlete from North Dakota State, may serve as a backup to Jalen Hurts.
Key points
- Philadelphia Eagles drafted quarterback Cole Payton in the fifth round
- Payton is a left-handed quarterback from North Dakota State
- He is compared to Taysom Hill but has more QB upside
- His drafting suggests potential changes in the Eagles' QB lineup
- Payton may initially serve as a gadget player or backup
Mentioned in this story
North Dakota State
Cole PaytonTaysom HillPhiladelphia Eagles
Why Eagles drafting Cole Payton points to QB trade, Jalen Hurts backup change originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted a quarterback: Cole Payton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He's a lefty from North Dakota State, and he's a freakish athlete for a quarterback.
Some have compared him to Taysom Hill, but he has more QB upside than that in the NFL.
Of course, Payton will want to be more than a gadget guy, although that might be what he is as a rookie.
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What Cole Payton pick means for Eagles' QB depth chart
This points to a trade.
Philly backup Tanner McKee was viewed as a trade candidate already. Now? It feels like a high probability outcome.
The Eagles obviously have Jalen Hurts.
They also went out to get Andy Dalton this offseason in a trade, so he can be a veteran backup.
Q&A
Why did the Eagles draft Cole Payton in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Eagles drafted Cole Payton to potentially signal a change in their quarterback lineup, possibly involving a trade.
What are Cole Payton's strengths as a quarterback?
Cole Payton is recognized for his athleticism and has been compared to Taysom Hill, but with greater quarterback potential.
How might Cole Payton impact Jalen Hurts' role on the Eagles?
Cole Payton's drafting could lead to changes in Jalen Hurts' backup situation, possibly affecting his role on the team.
