Full Breakdown
Ravens Bolster Quarterback Depth with Two Undrafted Free Agent Signings
4/29/2026, 2:57:37 AM
Core Event: Ravens Sign UConn QB Joe Fagnano and Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
On April 28 2026 the Baltimore Ravens announced three-year contracts for undrafted free agents Joe Fagnano, a 25-year-old former UConn quarterback, and Diego Pavia, a 24-year-old former Vanderbilt quarterback and 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up. Both join a quarterback room already anchored by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley.
Background & Context: Need for Depth Behind Lamar Jackson
The Ravens entered the post-draft period with only Jackson and Huntley on the roster. General manager Eric DeCosta and newly hired head coach Jesse Minter stressed that modern offenses benefit from multiple competent quarterbacks to mitigate injuries and develop talent, prompting the signings.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lamar Jackson – Starting quarterback, two-time NFL MVP.
- Tyler Huntley – Veteran backup, signed a two-year deal.
- Joe Fagnano – 6-ft-4, 225 lb; 2025: 3,448 passing yards, 28 TDs, 1 INT, 69 % completion, 161.03 passer rating, 131 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs; career: 5,252 passing yards, 48 TDs, 6 INTs at UConn.
- Diego Pavia – 5-ft-9, 198 lb; 2025: 3,539 passing yards, 29 TDs, 8 INTs, 70.6 % completion, 170.4 passer rating, 862 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs; SEC Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American.
- Eric DeCosta – General manager overseeing the signings.
- Jesse Minter – Head coach integrating the new quarterbacks.
Data & Statistics
Fagnano’s 2025 efficiency rating (161.03) was the highest among quarterbacks with over 200 attempts and he threw only one interception all season. Pavia’s 2025 passer rating (170.4) placed him among the nation’s elite, and his dual-threat production added 862 rushing yards. Both posted the best touchdown-to-interception ratios in the FBS that year.
Why It Matters
The contracts expand the Ravens’ 90-man offseason roster and create competition for the third-string spot. Securing low-cost developmental talent preserves salary-cap flexibility and aligns with a league-wide trend of bolstering quarterback depth. Successful development could yield a versatile backup suited to Jackson’s dual-threat system.
Official Statements & Responses
Ravens communications confirmed three-year deals for Fagnano and Pavia, describing them as standard undrafted-free-agent agreements with no disclosed guarantees. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea praised Pavia’s perseverance and expressed optimism about his NFL future, noting the player’s “undeniable” accomplishments and his habit of “proving doubters wrong.” The organization framed the signings as necessary depth rather than marquee acquisitions.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Pavia’s height (5-ft-9) and a prior social-media incident in which he posted a profane comment about Heisman voters as potential red flags. Concerns were also raised about whether his size and perceived character issues could affect durability and scheme fit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Contract financials and guaranteed portions differ across sources, with no official figures released. Fagnano’s career rushing totals appear as 131 yards in one report and 223 yards in another. Pavia’s height is listed as 5-ft-9 in most accounts, but one source measured him at 5-ft-9 7/8. Roster status beyond the 90-man limit remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry … I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey, I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me.” — Diego Pavia, former Vanderbilt quarterback
- “Yeah, my size has been doubted my whole life,” — Diego Pavia, Senior Bowl interview
- “I feel like the only thing the NFL cares about is can you win, and I view myself as a winner.” — Diego Pavia, post-draft interview
- “I feel like God has blessed me in so many ways to be a connector, and I feel like that’s one of my superpowers that I’ve got.” — Diego Pavia, personal statement
- “Diego has been counted out his entire career, and has proven doubters wrong every step of the way.” — Clark Lea, Vanderbilt head coach
What’s Next
Rookie minicamp runs May 1-3, where Fagnano and Pavia will vie for the third-string role. Their performance will determine placement on the 53-man roster, the practice squad, or release before the regular season begins.
