Payton was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 178th overall. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound quarterback out of North Dakota State is fighting an uphill battle in the competition to back up Jalen Hurts, as Philadelphia's crowded QB room also includes Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. Payton needs some development but has intriguing physical tools (4.56 speed) and a dual-threat skill set, as he threw 16 touchdown passes while adding 13 rushing scores in 2025, albeit against FCS competition.