Payton's Last-Minute TD Brightens Eagles' Preseason Loss
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BALTIMORE — The Philadelphia Eagles' offense struggled to find rhythm for most of the night, but a late spark from rookie quarterback Cole Payton gave the visiting fans a moment to remember. Making his NFL preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, the former North Dakota State standout threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Erik Ezukanma with 2:14 remaining, capping a drive that showcased his trademark mobility. The Eagles ultimately fell 24-7, but Payton's performance provided a glimpse of the dual-threat ability that made him a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Payton finished the night completing 4 of 9 passes for 37 yards and added 45 rushing yards on three carries, leading the team in both categories. His touchdown came after a breathtaking 7.66-second scramble, during which he evaded pressure and kept his eyes downfield. According to NextGenStats, the extended play allowed Ezukanma to break free in the corner of the end zone. Payton's ability to extend plays was on full display, a trait that has become increasingly valuable in the modern NFL.
"I was gassed there at the end, but I found Erik in the back of the end zone," Payton said after the game. "We made a great play working the scramble drill." The left-handed quarterback from Omaha, Nebraska, also reflected on the significance of his first NFL action. "What a cool opportunity. What a cool environment to strap it up for the first time with an NFL logo on my chest. It was a lot of fun." He added that getting hit felt good, noting that "football is such a cool sport and that's just my game. It's using my legs and making stuff happen, whether it's running or throwing it and when it becomes off-schedule."
Payton shared quarterback duties with Tanner McKee and veteran Andy Dalton, who are competing for backup roles behind starter Jalen Hurts. The Eagles' offense, which had been held scoreless for most of the game, found life when Payton entered. He converted a fourth-down scramble with his legs and later executed a dual-read option for 15 yards, showing the versatility that made him a standout at North Dakota State.
The rookie's debut came one day after another former North Dakota college quarterback, Jack Strand of Minnesota State Moorhead, made his preseason debut for the Atlanta Falcons. The two had worked out together at NDSU's Pro Day last spring, a testament to the region's growing pipeline of NFL talent.
For Payton, the moment was the culmination of a journey that began in Omaha and continued through Fargo, where he led the Bison to multiple FCS championships. The Eagles' coaching staff will now evaluate his performance as they finalize the roster. With his ability to create off-schedule and make plays with his legs, Payton could carve out a niche as a developmental quarterback with a bright future.
Article commentary
Cole Payton's preseason debut offered a compelling snapshot of why the Philadelphia Eagles invested a fifth-round pick in him. While the sample size is small—nine pass attempts, three rushes—his 7.66-second scramble before the touchdown pass is the kind of play that makes coaches take notice. In an era where quarterbacks are increasingly expected to operate outside structure, Payton's ability to extend plays and keep his eyes downfield is a valuable trait. The touchdown itself was not a simple throw; it required patience, mobility, and accuracy under pressure. Payton's performance also highlights the Eagles' approach to quarterback development. With Jalen Hurts firmly established as the starter, the team has a stable of backups including veteran Andy Dalton and second-year Tanner McKee. Payton's dual-threat style mirrors Hurts' skill set, suggesting the Eagles may be looking to groom a similar quarterback for the future. The 45 rushing yards on three carries indicate that Payton can be a weapon in the run game, which could be useful in designed quarterback runs or as a change-of-pace option. However, it's important to temper expectations. Preseason games often feature vanilla defenses and backups, and Payton's completion rate of 44.4% is modest. He will need to improve his accuracy and decision-making against stiffer competition. The fact that he shared snaps with McKee and Dalton suggests the Eagles are still evaluating the pecking order behind Hurts. Payton's ability to make plays with his legs gives him an edge, but consistency in the passing game will be key. The North Dakota State connection is notable. The program has produced several NFL quarterbacks, including Trey Lance and Carson Wentz, though their success has been mixed. Payton's background as a dual-threat leader for a championship program should translate well to the professional level, but the leap from FCS to the NFL is steep. His debut showed promise, but the real test will come in the regular season, if he gets a chance. From a broader perspective, the NFL's increasing embrace of mobile quarterbacks plays in Payton's favor. Offenses are designing more option reads, RPOs, and scramble drills. Payton's ability to execute these concepts, as evidenced by his dual-read option for 15 yards, aligns with league trends. The Eagles, in particular, have a scheme that leverages quarterback mobility, making Payton a natural fit. The timing of his debut, one day after Jack Strand's debut, underscores the growing talent pipeline from North Dakota colleges. While both are long shots to make significant impacts immediately, their preseason performances add depth to the league's quarterback pool. Overall, Payton's first NFL game was a positive step. He demonstrated the traits that made him a draftable prospect: mobility, competitiveness, and the ability to create under duress. The development path ahead is long, but he has given Eagles fans and coaches reason to watch closely.