Roster cut season is here as the NFL preseason comes to a close, and teams have now finalized their final 53-man rosters – meaning some players are learning that they played their way into an outstanding opportunity. In contrast, others are unsure what their professional football future holds.
Every year, there are feel-good stories across the league of undrafted free agents in their first year who defy expectations to earn their way onto a 53-man roster, and this year is no exception. Let's take a look at three players who did so this year.
Standout NFL undrafted free agent rookies who made final rosters
Jalon Daniels, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming into the preseason, Daniels was assumed to be a long shot to make the final roster for Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield is the presumptive starter, while veteran Jake
Browning signed a one-year contract during the offseason with the expectation that he'd be the backup.
But after going 27-for-44 passing for 239 yards and one touchdown while accumulating 37 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground, he has earned a roster spot and the backup job while Browning has been cut.
Michael Coats Jr., CB, Cleveland Browns
Michael Coats Jr. never played football until he reached the collegiate level, and he did not get an opportunity at the Power 4 level until his senior season at West Virginia. He put up solid numbers at his Pro Day during the spring, but it wasn't quite enough to get drafted.
However, he ended up with the Browns as an undrafted free agent, and after an impressive preseason effort that included an interception in the team's opener, he has now landed a spot on the final 53-man roster for the franchise.
Joe Fagnano, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Fagnano made his name during his senior season at UConn by throwing 28 touchdowns to just one interception. And while the Ravens haven't rostered three quarterbacks since 2000, Fagnano earned a roster spot behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley after leading the NFL with 509 passing yards during the preseason while posting a 74.7% completion percentage.
"To his credit, he has put it on tape," Head Coach Jesse Minter said on Friday regarding Fagnano. "He has been really consistent. He has played a certain way almost all three games."
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 3 NFL UDFA rookies who beat the odds to make final 53-man rosters
