It’s really refreshing when you have a quarterback who actually knows what he’s doing in the preseason, isn’t it? The Baltimore Ravens finally have that again this year.
Obviously, Tyler Huntley is a great backup, but we’re talking about third-stringer Joe Fagnano. The undrafted rookie quarterback dazzled once again in Baltimore’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, completing 15-of-20 passes for 123 yards and 1 touchdown. He posted a 106.9 passer rating, too.
In the two years before 2026, the Ravens were turning to Devin Leary as their QB3. He was awful. They learned their lesson, as they’re watching Fagnano become a preseason darling.
And not only that, he’s already staking his claim to lock up that QB3 spot behind Lamar Jackson and Huntley. He was being given an opportunity he couldn’t afford to waste, and he’s making the most of every second of it.
Baltimore Ravens should have confidence in QB3 spot with Joe Fagnano
Joe Fagnano is looking like one of the biggest standouts of the entire NFL this preseason. He’s been that good. Fans have started to hype him up for a reason.
While Fagnano will probably be nothing more than a practice squad candidate, he’s making a case to be at the very least considered for an active roster spot. It’s hard to argue with his stats, and the stats are nothing short of impressive.
Through two weeks, Fagnano is 37-for-48 through the air for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Outside the one (really bad) interception in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he’s played nearly flawless football. His poise and ball placement in particular have shone through.
He’s simply been Baltimore’s best quarterback. Yes, even better than Tyler Huntley, although Fagnano doesn’t even have the slightest chance to unseat Huntley for the backup role. He is winning the QB3 competition with ease, though.
Austin Reed was a late signing to replace Skylar Thompson. Reed has looked fine, but he’s gotten very limited reps. He’s been subbing in during the fourth quarter while Fagnano has been taking the lion’s share of opportunities—that alone should signal that Fagnano will be Baltimore’s guy.
And while Fagnano will have to clear waivers if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, his status as an undrafted quarterback should lead him right back to Charm City. Not many teams eyeball an undrafted rookie quarterback as a high priority in waiver claims. The Ravens should be just fine.
Hopefully, the Ravens won’t have to lean on Fagnano at all in 2026. If he somehow takes starting reps this season, that’d be due to some seriously bad injury luck. However, Baltimore saw injuries at the quarterback position last year with Lamar Jackson, so having someone like Fagnano ready to provide depth could be important.
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The rookie’s dominant preseason thus far will add some reassurance to an already elite quarterback room.
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