Former Auburn Tigers QB Payton Thorne Signs with Bengals as UDFA

When the 2025 NFL Draft concluded without Payton Thorne hearing his name called, the former Auburn Tigers quarterback didn’t have to wait long to find his next football home. Shortly after the draft’s final pick, the Cincinnati Bengals announced they had signed Thorne as an undrafted free agent (UDFA), giving the veteran signal-caller a chance to prove himself at the next level.

For Thorne, the journey to the NFL was never about flashy accolades or eye-popping statistics. It was about perseverance, leadership, and a deep belief that he could find his place in the league. Now, with the Bengals, he’ll have the opportunity to do just that.

A College Career Built on Leadership

Before arriving at Auburn, Payton Thorne had already made a name for himself at Michigan State. In 2021, he led the Spartans to an impressive 11-2 record and a Peach Bowl victory, throwing for 3,240 yards and 27 touchdowns along the way. That season, he showcased not only his arm talent but also his poise and command of the offense.

However, the following season in East Lansing didn’t go quite as planned. Struggles with offensive line protection, injuries, and inconsistent play led to a step back statistically. After the 2022 season, Thorne decided it was time for a new chapter, entering the transfer portal and ultimately landing at Auburn.

At Auburn, Thorne was tasked with stabilizing a Tigers offense that had struggled to find its footing in recent years. While the results were mixed — Auburn finished 7-5 in 2024 — Thorne’s leadership and steady presence were widely praised by coaches and teammates alike.

He finished his final college season with 2,109 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while adding 253 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. Though those numbers weren’t enough to elevate his draft stock into the early rounds, they told the story of a quarterback who could manage a game, move the chains, and win the respect of a locker room.

Why the Bengals Make Sense

On the surface, Cincinnati might not seem like an ideal landing spot for a rookie quarterback. After all, the Bengals boast one of the NFL’s elite signal-callers in Joe Burrow, a player firmly entrenched as the face of the franchise.

But that’s precisely why this signing makes sense.

Behind Burrow, the Bengals have been looking to solidify their depth chart at quarterback. Veteran Jake Browning performed admirably in Burrow’s absence last season, but Cincinnati is always looking to develop young talent who can compete for backup roles or, at the very least, contribute on the practice squad.

For Thorne, Cincinnati offers the perfect blend of stability, strong coaching, and a developmental environment. He’ll be able to learn from Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor, absorb the nuances of an NFL offense, and work to refine his skills without the immediate pressure of carrying a franchise.

Moreover, the Bengals’ system, which emphasizes quick decision-making, short to intermediate throws, and an ability to extend plays when necessary, aligns well with Thorne’s skill set. His ability to read defenses, adjust protections, and manage games could make him a valuable asset in Cincinnati’s quarterback room.

The Road Ahead: A Battle for a Roster Spot

Signing as a UDFA is just the first step. For Payton Thorne, the real battle begins now.

NFL teams typically carry only two or three quarterbacks on their 53-man rosters. Barring injury, Burrow and Browning are likely locked into the top two spots. That leaves Thorne competing with other young arms, possibly including other UDFAs or fringe veterans, for a place on the practice squad or as a developmental third quarterback.

It’s a tall task, but one Thorne seems well-suited to embrace. Throughout his college career, he was praised for his work ethic, football IQ, and professionalism. Those traits will serve him well in what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive training camp.

Additionally, Thorne’s ability to contribute on scout team offenses — mimicking opposing quarterbacks during weekly preparations — will be critical. If he can showcase his versatility, intelligence, and accuracy in those settings, he’ll give himself a legitimate shot at sticking around.

The Bengals, for their part, have a strong track record of developing undrafted players. Over the past several seasons, Cincinnati has found key contributors among UDFAs, giving Thorne a real opportunity if he can seize it.

Reflecting on Thorne’s Auburn Legacy

Though his time at Auburn lasted just one season, Payton Thorne left a meaningful impact.

The Tigers, under head coach Hugh Freeze, were attempting to rebuild their identity. Thorne brought a measure of stability and maturity to the quarterback position, providing a foundation on which Auburn could build.

While there were certainly frustrating moments — including tough losses to Georgia and Alabama — Thorne’s leadership never wavered. He embraced the Auburn community, worked tirelessly to improve, and served as a mentor to younger quarterbacks on the roster.

In the end, Thorne’s Auburn legacy isn’t necessarily about wins and losses. It’s about professionalism, resilience, and setting an example for what it means to handle adversity with class.

Scouting Report: What Thorne Brings to the NFL

Strengths:

Football IQ: Thorne is a smart quarterback who processes defenses quickly. He understands protections, route concepts, and defensive tendencies.
Leadership: Coaches and teammates consistently praised his command of the huddle and locker room presence.
Mobility: While not a dual-threat in the traditional sense, Thorne can extend plays with his legs and pick up key first downs when necessary.
Work Ethic: Known as a grinder, Thorne is the type of player who will spend extra hours in the film room and on the practice field.

Areas for Improvement:

Arm Strength: While sufficient, Thorne’s arm isn’t elite by NFL standards. He’ll need to rely on anticipation and timing rather than pure velocity.
Consistency: Thorne has had stretches of excellent play but also periods of inconsistency. Sharpening his mechanics and decision-making will be key.
Downfield Passing: Improving his accuracy and confidence on deep throws could help him unlock another level in his game.

A Familiar Path for UDFAs

The odds for undrafted free agents making an NFL roster are long — but not impossible.

In fact, history is filled with success stories. Players like Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, and more recently, Taylor Heinicke, all entered the league as UDFAs and carved out successful careers.

For Thorne, the key will be patience, perseverance, and taking advantage of every opportunity, whether that’s a preseason snap, a practice rep, or a film session.

If he can demonstrate that he belongs — that he can learn, grow, and contribute — there’s no reason why Payton Thorne can’t follow in the footsteps of other undrafted quarterbacks who have beaten the odds.

Final Thoughts

In many ways, Payton Thorne’s signing with the Bengals feels fitting.

Throughout his college journey — from Michigan State to Auburn — Thorne was never the biggest name or the flashiest player. But he was a steady hand, a leader, and a competitor.

Those traits don’t always show up in pre-draft workouts or on draft boards, but they matter in NFL locker rooms.

Now, Thorne gets the opportunity to continue chasing his football dream in Cincinnati. It won’t be easy — but if his past is any indication, don’t be surprised if Payton Thorne sticks around longer than people expect.

The story isn’t over yet. In fact, it might just be getting started.