Browns Eyeing QB Joe Fagnano as Late-Round Draft Option

Veteran QB could provide depth behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a quarterback's dropback, with sharp planes of brown, gray, and blue overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's dropback highlights the complexity and fragmentation of the modern NFL game.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns are considering drafting quarterback Joe Fagnano, a 25-year-old seventh-year senior, as a potential late-round pick to provide depth behind starters Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Fagnano, who played four years at Maine and one year at UConn, is known for his accuracy, quick decision-making, and high football IQ, though he lacks elite arm strength and dynamic running ability.

Why it matters

The Browns are looking to solidify their quarterback depth chart behind Watson and Sanders, and Fagnano could be an intriguing developmental prospect given his strong production in college, even if he is an older prospect with limited upside.

The details

Fagnano completed 69.1% of his passes for 28 touchdowns and just one interception in his lone full FBS season at UConn in 2025. He has good size at 6-foot-3, 226 pounds, and his career totals include 48 passing touchdowns, 93 rushing attempts for 223 yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns. However, his age (25) and lack of elite physical tools may limit his long-term potential.

  • Fagnano just wrapped up his seventh year of college football in 2025.
  • He started at least four games in every college season except 2023, when he dealt with a shoulder injury.

The players

Joe Fagnano

A 25-year-old seventh-year senior quarterback who played four years at Maine and one year at UConn, known for his accuracy, quick decision-making, and high football IQ.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' other starting quarterback, expected to compete with Watson for the top job.

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What they’re saying

“Fagnano has the profile of a third quarterback on an NFL team, which could get him drafted late.”

— Barry Shuck, Author

The takeaway

The Browns are looking to add depth at quarterback, and Fagnano's college production and intangibles could make him an intriguing late-round option, even if his upside may be limited due to his age and physical tools.