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Cole Payton has garnered extensive interest from three NFL teams.

North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton has four teams highly interested in him as the NFL Draft approaches.

While Payton has emerged as a quality quarterback prospect in the draft process and garnered interest from teams, he “has met extensively” with three teams of late. KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported that Payton had those extensive meeting sessions with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets.

Wilson also noted that Payton has visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts but didn’t call those meetings extensive. All five teams have varying levels of backup quarterback needs, and Payton could fit with any of those teams.

Payton spent five years with NDSU, where he became the starter in 2025 after Cam Miller graduated and left for the NFL. Miller is now a backup quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

An Omaha native, Payton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns versus four interceptions in 2025. Payton played in run packages for years with the Bison before he became the starter, and he amassed 2,069 yards and 31 touchdowns rushing.

He rose up draft boards this year after impressive outings in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and posted a 40-inch vertical. Payton’s athleticism could give him the chance to contribute with a team right away, even as a backup quarterback.

Here’s a look at how Payton fits with each of the “extensively” interested teams.

Cole Payton Joining Eagles Would Be Different

If Payton lands with the Eagles, he would follow in the footsteps of former Bison quarterback Carson Wentz, who went No. 2 to the Eagles in the 2016 draft.

Payton would not carry the same expectations as Wentz in Philly. Instead, Payton could become a quality backup for quarterback Jalen Hurts, and Payton could be featured on “tush push” plays.

Payton’s bigger size could give the Eagles more explosiveness on that play since Payton has been known to break away from defenses by running through them. He also would give the Eagles young quarterback with strong potential in a position group that has Tanner McKee and longtime veteran Andy Dalton as the backups.

Cole Payton Could Have Big Future With Cardinals

For the Cardinals, Payton could be anything from a backup to a potential Kyler Murray replacement. Arizona has Jacoby Brissett as the potential starter and Gardner Minshew II and Kedon Slovis as backups.

Payton could get involved right away on running plays, and the Cardinals could like his potential as a developmental quarterback. None of the three current Cardinals quarterbacks are likely franchise quarterbacks at this point in their careers.

If the Cardinals land Payton and develop him into a franchise quarterback, Arizona has a steal. It’s also not unrealistic because Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has enjoyed success developing quarterbacks in previous coaching stops.

Cole Payton Could Get His Turn With Jets

New York landing Payton could also give him that future upside. The Jets have veteran starter Geno Smith and backups Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.

Payton playing in run packages makes sense in New York if Smith has a strong return to Gotham. If Smith struggles as he did with the Las Vegas Raiders, Payton could find an opportunity for more offensive snaps.