Will Cole Payton be Jalen Hurts' Long Term Backup?

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 8:06 PM UTC

The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State QB Cole Payton in Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Payton played a Taysom Hill type role in 2023 & 2024, rushing for 414 yards over those two seasons. He won the QB job in 2025. As a one-year starter, Payton threw for 2,719 yards with 16 TDs and 4 INTs. He also rushed for 777 yards and 13 TDs. An elite athlete, Payton had a 9.87 RAS with a 4.56 40 at 6’3 and 232 pounds. He also ranked 99th percentile in Vertical (40”) and Broad Jump (10’10”). Among the 15 QBs invited to the NFL Combine, Payton ranked fifth in 2025 adjusted completion percentage (78.3%), and first in aDOT (12.3). He also ranked first in 2025 Big Time Throw rate (11.3%) and fourth in rushing yards per game when removing sacks (39.8). He is currently 23 years old.

What They're Saying

Dane Brugler, The Athletic (The Beast): “Overall, Payton is green and will require patience, but he’s a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His physical tools and competitive makeup are promising qualities for a developmental prospect.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Payton’s athletic upside certainly matches QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offensive system.

They do currently have Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton, but both are set to become free agents after this season.

Payton only has one year of starting experience, but he could be develop into a solid back-up.

He has no redraft value.

Dynasty Impact

Payton obviously is blocked from becoming a starter while on the Eagles, but his athleticism and rushing ability would make him an intriguing fantasy option if Hurts gets hurt.

He should only be considered late in Superflex leagues where Payton can be stashed on a taxi squad.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.