Things have been rocky between the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts this offseason.
ESPN dropped a report revealing that there’s been tension between the two sides for the better part of a year following the team’s offensive struggles last season that resulted in the firing of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
Some have also speculated Hurts could be on thin ice as well if the Eagles struggle offensively in 2026 (he’s under contract through 2028 but the team has an out after the 2027 season).
Many believe the Eagles will draft a quarterback this year to potentially develop and take over if Hurts were to depart from the team, and John Breech of CBS Sports believes that player will be North Dakota State QB Cole Payton.
“If there’s one thing Howie Roseman loves doing in the draft, it’s collecting quarterbacks,” Breech wrote. “The Eagles general manager selected at least one QB in four of his past seven drafts, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to grab another one.
“Also, with Jalen Hurts heading into a critical 2026 season, it would make sense to bring in a young QB who could be groomed for the future. The former North Dakota State QB is a dual-threat star who happens to be highly accurate, so he would fit in well with Hurts in the Eagles’ QB room.”
Given his dual-threat versatility, Payton would be a more natural successor for Hurts than current backup Tanner McKee.
Payton threw for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions last season while rushing for 777 yards and 13 more scores.
His ability to escape the pocket and throw on the run fit perfectly with Philadelphia’s offensive philosophy, and if he sits for two seasons and soaks up the playbook behind Hurts, Payton could potentially slide into the starting job seamlessly.