Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Undrafted Heisman Runner-Up Diego Pavia to Three-Year Deal
4/29/2026, 1:11:43 AM
Signing Overview
The Baltimore Ravens announced on April 28 2026 a three-year undrafted-free-agent contract with former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. The agreement was reached before the rookie minicamp scheduled for May 1-3, replacing the tryout invitation originally extended to him.
Draft Background
Pavia finished the 2025 season as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record—the program’s first double-digit win season. He became the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Personnel Added
The signing adds to a quarterback room that already includes starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. The Ravens also signed undrafted UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano to a three-year deal, creating a four-quarterback depth chart. General manager Eric DeCosta approved the moves, and new head coach Jesse Minter, a former Vanderbilt defensive coordinator, will oversee the group.
College Production
Pavia posted 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 70.6 % completion rate, plus 862 rushing yards and ten rushing scores. Fagnano recorded 3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, one interception and a 69 % completion rate.
Impact on Depth
The contracts give Baltimore two mobile, high-upside prospects who can compete for the third-string role and reduce preseason workload for Jackson. Signing them before minicamp also preempted interest from other NFL teams.
Official Responses
Ravens officials said the early signing was driven by “interest from other teams” and the desire to lock in Pavia before the minicamp. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported the team’s decision to sign him “in advance” of the tryout. Pat McAfee noted that Pavia’s college strengths may limit his NFL projection.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts pointed to Pavia’s measured height—5 ft 9 7/8 in at the Senior Bowl versus listings of 5 ft 10 in or 6 ft 0 in—as a potential drawback. His post-Heisman social-media outburst, later apologized for, has also been cited as a character issue.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Pavia’s exact height and on the financial terms of the three-year deal, which remain undisclosed. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his CFL negotiating rights, but no details on a possible move have been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[The] Ravens are signing former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia to a three-year deal, per source.” — Adam Schefter, ESPN reporter
- “I’m sure that he’s disappointed that he didn’t get drafted, of course,” — Adam Schefter
- “I feel like the only thing the NFL cares about is can you win, and I view myself as a winner.” — Diego Pavia
- “What Diego has accomplished as a member of our program is undeniable, and those who know him best also know that his impact extends far beyond his performance on the field,” — Clark Lea, Vanderbilt head coach
What’s Next
Pavia and Fagnano will attend the May 1-3 rookie minicamp and subsequent offseason workouts, where they will vie for the third-string quarterback slot. Their performance will determine whether either secures a roster spot, joins the practice squad, or is released before the regular season.
