Ravens QB3 Race: Pavia, Thompson, Fagnano in the Spotlight

Why the Third QB Spot Is a Tight Race

The Ravens have a clear pecking order at quarterback, with Lamar Jackson as the franchise face and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley holding the backup role. However, the battle for the third string remains wide open, with three players vying for a roster spot that may not even make the active 53‑man list. The coaching staff will decide who proves the most valuable, and it’s possible the eventual choice could begin the season on the practice squad.

Because the position is so uncertain, the depth chart reads like a three‑way derby rather than a settled hierarchy. Diego Pavia, Skylar Thompson and Joe Fagnano each bring different resumes, making the competition tough to predict. The outcome will shape the Ravens’ backup options and could influence how they manage the rest of their roster.

Pavia’s Heisman Glare and Undrafted Hurdles

Diego Pavia enters the camp with the most name recognition after finishing as the 2025 Heisman runner‑up. His flashy personality has drawn both admiration and criticism, and off‑field incidents have been described as cringe‑worthy for a signal caller. Despite eye‑popping college stats, Pavia went undrafted, so he must prove he can adjust to NFL expectations.

Critics point to his height as a potential limitation, but the real challenge is earning the respect of teammates in the league’s most demanding role. If he can deliver on the field, his “quirky” reputation may be shrugged off as part of his charm. Success would give the Ravens a young quarterback with proven upside.

Thompson Brings NFL Experience, a Calculated Risk

Skylar Thompson is the early favorite, bolstered by four seasons of NFL exposure, even if his playing time has been limited. He saw action in 2022 and 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, posting a sub‑60 % completion rate, a 66.1 passer rating and a 1‑3 TD‑INT mark in two starts. At 29, his seasoning could be the difference when camp cuts are made.

While his résumé isn’t flashy, the added NFL experience often translates to better preparation for the regular season. If the coaching staff wants a safe, battle‑tested option, Thompson’s track record makes him the logical choice. He may not be a star, but he brings a level of reliability that can’t be ignored.

Fagnano’s Long College Journey and Rise

Joe Fagnano, a 25‑year‑old undrafted rookie, stands out for his seven‑year college career, splitting time at FCS Maine and FBS UConn. He finished 13‑4 as a starter over his final two seasons with the Huskies, despite UConn’s modest football tradition. His numbers include a 28‑1 TD‑INT ratio last year and a 48‑6 TD‑INT mark across three FBS seasons.

Fagnano completed 69 % of his passes in his last collegiate season, showing a clear upward trajectory each time he moved to a higher level of competition. After spending four years at Maine, his development under pressure suggests he could be a late‑bloomer with NFL potential. Coaches will be watching closely to see if that progression continues in the league.

What It Means for the Ravens Moving Forward

The third quarterback decision will ripple through Baltimore’s roster planning, influencing practice‑squad decisions and potential trade activity. The team’s willingness to carry only two QBs on the active roster hints at a strategy that relies heavily on depth rather than a clear three‑quarterback model. Whichever player earns the nod will need to balance on‑field performance with clubhouse chemistry, a combination that can make or break a backup role.

As training camp unfolds, fans can expect the competition to sharpen daily, with each practice serving as a audition for a spot that could become crucial if injuries hit. The outcome will define the Ravens’ quarterback depth and set the tone for how they approach the 2025 season.