Joe Fagnano entered training camp fighting for snaps and engulfed in a five-person quarterback room. After Diego Pavia's release and Skylar Thompson's injury, he will travel to Minnesota with a legitimate opportunity to force his way onto the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster.
The undrafted rookie quarterback took advantage of an extended opportunity in Baltimore’s 24-7 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He directed three scoring drives, operated the offense with poise and consistently delivered the football on time.
It was the type of performance that could change Fagnano’s standing within the organization. He is no longer simply a developmental quarterback
helping Baltimore complete training camp. He is making a strong case to become the Ravens’ third quarterback. till earning the QB3 designation and securing a roster spot are two different challenges.
Joe Fagnano established himself as the QB3 favorite
Fagnano entered the game after Tyler Huntley handled Baltimore’s first two possessions and was trusted with most of the remaining quarterback snaps. He connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a 16-yard touchdown, completed passes to 10 different receivers and helped the Ravens maintain possession throughout the second half.
His only significant mistake came late in the second quarter. Fagnano attempted to complete a pass across the end zone while moving outside the pocket, but Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo made an athletic interception. Jesse Minter did not appear overly concerned with the decision, praising Ringo’s play and Fagnano’s ability to respond after halftime.
Fagnano returned to lead two extended second-half scoring drives, demonstrating that the turnover did not affect his confidence or command. That response was important, but the next step is eliminating the turnover.
Minnesota provides Fagnano with a more difficult test.
Fagnano will have two joint practices and Saturday’s preseason game to prove his debut was more than one encouraging performance against Philadelphia’s reserves. Led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his scheme, Minnesota can test him with pressure, disguised coverages and unfamiliar personnel, forcing him to process information more quickly than he did in the opener.
Ravens have preferred carrying only two quarterbacks
Fagnano’s biggest obstacle may not be Reed. It could be Baltimore’s recent roster construction.
The Ravens have opened each of the past four seasons with only two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. Baltimore kept Jackson and Huntley in 2022 and 2023, Jackson and Josh Johnson in 2024, and Jackson and Cooper Rush in 2025.
Jackson and Huntley are already secured at the top of this year’s depth chart. Keeping Fagnano would require Baltimore to use a roster spot it has recently allocated to another position, such as offensive line, cornerback, receiver or special teams. The Ravens could instead waive Fagnano and attempt to return him to the practice squad, where he could continue developing while remaining available for elevation.
That approach carries more risk after his performance against Philadelphia. Every productive outing creates more film for the rest of the league, and teams searching for a young developmental quarterback could become interested if Fagnano is exposed to waivers.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Joe Fagnano can force the Ravens to carry a third quarterback
