# Cole Payton

NFL quarterback. Position: **QB**. Team: **Philadelphia Eagles**.

## Quick Facts

- **Position:** QB
- **Team:** Philadelphia Eagles
- **College:** North Dakota State
- **Draft:** 2026 NFL Draft, 6th round, Philadelphia Eagles

## 2026 Outlook

Rookie developmental quarterback with the Eagles. Payton is behind both Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton on the depth chart but will receive late-game work in preseason to evaluate his development. His challenge is proving he can process Sean Mannion's system, use his athleticism, and make sound decisions against NFL-level defenders. The Eagles' evaluation will influence whether they view him as a practice-squad developmental arm or a potential future asset (per Eagles backup quarterback battle moves into preseason spotlight). In the preseason finale vs. Cincinnati, Payton got a brief appearance, with HC Sirianni noting it's expected he'll spend 2026 "memorizing the playbook from cover to cover"—indicating long-term development focus rather than immediate roster impact (per Eagles news: Nick Sirianni believes QB2 battle is in 'good spot' amid preseason shakiness).

**Plan to move/practice squad:** Philadelphia's strategy at QB positions Payton as a potential practice-squad prospect or trade asset. The team traded for veteran Andy Dalton and retained Tanner McKee as backups, viewing the position broadly as a place to extract value via trade or waiver acquisition rather than develop in-house. Payton may be exposed to practice squad eligibility if final roster cuts move him off the active 53-man roster (per Eagles quarterbacks and other position groups NFL teams should monitor for potential trades or waiver claims).

## Role / Depth Chart

Third-string QB, developmental. Expected to see limited preseason snaps but given opportunities to grow in the Eagles' system.

## Open Questions

- Will Cole Payton be kept on the Eagles' roster or practice squad for 2026? **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-08-13

## Recent News

- 2026-08-13 — Eagles backup QB battle: rookie Cole Payton gets developmental opportunity (Eagles backup quarterback battle moves into preseason spotlight)

## Sources

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Source: https://chatffb.com/players/cole-payton · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.