Full Breakdown
Joe Fagnano Defies Odds to Secure Spot on Baltimore Ravens’ 53-Man Roster
8/31/2026, 10:59:49 AM
Core Event – Undrafted Quarterback Earns Roster Spot
After the NFL’s cut-down deadline passed at 6 p.m. on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens announced that undrafted free agent quarterback Joe Fagnano had made the team’s initial 53-man roster. The move places him behind two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran Tyler Huntley as the third quarterback on the depth chart. Team officials said the decision was made to avoid the risk of losing him on waivers, given his strong preseason showing.
Background & Context
Fagnano entered the league after a standout career at the University of Connecticut, where he finished his senior season with 28 touchdowns and only one interception in 413 attempts. He began his college career at the University of Maine before transferring to UConn. Undrafted in 2026, he arrived in Baltimore as a long-shot to make the roster. The Ravens entered the preseason with a crowded quarterback room and a new offensive scheme under rookie coordinator Declan Doyle that emphasizes under-center bootleg concepts. General manager Eric DeCosta reportedly chose to keep Fagnano on the active roster rather than risk exposing him to waivers.
Data & Statistics
- Dropbacks: 79 (league-leading) with only one sack.
- Completions/Attempts: 56-of-75 for a 75 % completion rate.
- Passing Yards: 509 total, also league-leading.
- Touchdowns/Interceptions: 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 1 interception.
- Under-Center Production: 194 yards on 19-of-25 attempts.
- Passer Rating: 100.4.
- Snap Count: Team-high 176 offensive snaps, primarily at right tackle before switching sides in the finale.
These numbers placed Fagnano ahead of all other preseason quarterbacks in both volume and efficiency.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Eric DeCosta is reported to have prioritized keeping Fagnano on the active roster, citing the quarterback’s rapid grasp of the new offense and the limited practice-rep opportunities he received.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s put it out there. He’s been really consistent. He’s played a certain way almost all three games, and that’s definitely something we’ll have to take a look at.” — Joe Fagnano, quarterback
Why It Matters / Impact
Fagnano’s addition gives the Ravens a versatile third-string option who can operate effectively from under center—a skill set that aligns with Declan Doyle’s scheme. His ability to execute misdirection throws and bootleg actions provides the coaching staff with a developmental prospect who can contribute on the scout team while learning the system. Retaining him on the active roster also preserves depth at a position where injuries could force the team to rely heavily on Jackson’s health and performance.
What’s Next
The Ravens have until Monday afternoon to finalize their 17-player practice squad. Fagnano is expected to continue developing with the scout-team offense under Doyle’s guidance, while the team monitors the health of veteran quarterbacks and the status of injured defensive players slated for return later in the season.
