Ravens Land Massive QB Steal: 15,000-Yard Austin Reed
Baltimore Ravens Add Quarterback Austin Reed: What You Need to Know
The Baltimore Ravens have made a new addition to their quarterback room! Let’s break down everything about their newest player, Austin Reed, in simple terms.
Who Is Austin Reed?
Think of Austin Reed as a quarterback who has played football at almost every level — from college to a spring league — and put up some really impressive numbers along the way. He’s now getting his shot with the Ravens.
Important Point: Reed joins a quarterback room that already includes superstar Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. He’ll be competing with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano for the third-string spot.
Why Did the Ravens Sign Him?
The Ravens needed another quarterback because Skylar Thompson got hurt and was placed on Injured Reserve (IR).
What is Injured Reserve (IR)?
When a player goes on IR, they can’t play for the rest of the season (or at least a few games). It frees up a roster spot so the team can sign someone else.
Since Thompson couldn’t practice on Sunday or Tuesday, the Ravens moved quickly to bring in Reed.
Reed’s Football Journey: Step by Step
Austin Reed’s path to the NFL hasn’t been a straight line. Here’s how he got here:
-
2018 — Southern Illinois (FCS)
Started college at an FCS school (that’s the subdivision below the big Division I programs). He redshirted — meaning he practiced but didn’t play in games to save a year of eligibility. -
2019–2021 — West Florida (Division II)
Transferred down a level and led the team to a national championship!- The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
- In 26 games at the Division II level, he threw 78 touchdowns and only 20 interceptions.
-
2022–2023 — Western Kentucky (FBS)
Moved up to the highest college level (FBS).- 2022: Led the entire country in passing yards with 4,746!
- He became the 4th Western Kentucky QB since 2014 to lead the nation in passing.
-
2024 NFL Draft
Went undrafted but signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent. -
2024–2025 — Bears Practice Squad & Future Contract
- Waived in August 2024, then signed to the practice squad (a development team).
- Signed a reserve/future contract in January 2025 (a deal for the next season).
- Waived again in August 2025.
-
Spring 2025 — Dallas Renegades (UFL)
Played in the United Football League (UFL), a spring pro league.- 4–6 record as a starter
- 1,923 passing yards (2nd in the league)
- 21 passing touchdowns (UFL single-season record!)
- 376 yards in the opener (UFL single-game record)
- 9 interceptions
- Now — Baltimore Ravens
Signed to the active roster to provide depth behind Jackson and Huntley.
How Did He Play in the Preseason?
Before joining the UFL, Reed got some NFL preseason action with the Bears:
- 5 games played
- 23 of 33 passes completed (that’s 69.7% — pretty good!)
- 230 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
What This Means for the Ravens
| Quarterback | Role |
|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Starter, MVP-caliber |
| Tyler Huntley | Primary backup |
| Austin Reed | New addition, competing for QB3 |
| Joe Fagnano | Undrafted rookie, also competing for QB3 |
Reed brings:
- Lots of passing production at every level
- Experience in a spring pro league (UFL)
- Some NFL preseason experience
- A strong arm and playmaking ability
Summary
The Ravens signed QB Austin Reed after Skylar Thompson went on Injured Reserve.
Reed has put up huge numbers in college (Division II & FBS) and the UFL.
He led the entire FBS in passing yards in 2022 (4,746).
He set UFL records for single-season TDs (21) and single-game yards (376).
He’ll compete with rookie Joe Fagnano for the third QB spot behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Reed has NFL experience — he was on the Bears’ practice squad and played in 5 preseason games.
FAQ
What does "undrafted free agent" mean?
It means a player wasn’t picked in the NFL Draft but is free to sign with any team afterward. Many great players started this way!
What’s the difference between FCS, Division II, and FBS?
- FBS = Football Bowl Subdivision (the biggest college programs, like Alabama, Georgia, Western Kentucky)
- FCS = Football Championship Subdivision (still Division I, but with fewer scholarships; e.g., Southern Illinois)
- Division II = A lower level with smaller schools (e.g., West Florida)
Reed played at all three levels — pretty rare!
What is a practice squad?
A group of up to 16 players who practice with the team but don’t play in games (unless elevated). It’s like a "developmental roster."
What’s a reserve/future contract?
A contract signed after the season ends that locks a player to the team for the next season. It doesn’t count against the current roster.
Is Austin Reed going to start for the Ravens?
Almost certainly not. Lamar Jackson is the clear starter. Reed is here for depth and competition for the backup spots.
Stay tuned — the battle for QB3 in Baltimore just got interesting!