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Ravens Sign Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia to Three-Year Deal

4/29/2026

Summary

Pavia Signed

The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year contract.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter announced the deal on April 28, 2026, before Pavia’s minicamp tryout.
Pavia, the 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Heisman finalist, went undrafted—the first finalist since 2014 to miss the draft.
He joins two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley and undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano, giving Baltimore four quarterbacks.

Summary

Minter Leads Ravens

Jesse Minter will lead the Ravens in his inaugural season as head coach.
Pavia, who measured 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds at the combine, drew size concerns and posted pointed remarks toward Heisman Trophy voters after finishing runner-up.
Vanderbilt's 2024 upset of No. 1 Alabama, the program's first win over a top-5 team, featured Pavia.
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, now 25, joins the roster after seven collegiate seasons, including a COVID-extra year.

History

Historical Context

The Heisman Trophy—eligible to all players since 1936 and decided by 870 media voters plus former winners—has long favored offensive backs and sparked regional-bias debates. In 2026 the Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt’s Heisman finalist Diego Pavia, reviving those bias concerns amid recent shifts such as the 2024 reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s trophy.

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Pavia Signed

The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year contract.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter announced the deal on April 28, 2026, before Pavia’s minicamp tryout.
Pavia, the 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Heisman finalist, went undrafted—the first finalist since 2014 to miss the draft.
He joins two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley and undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano, giving Baltimore four quarterbacks.

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