Full Breakdown
Diego Pavia Signs with the Baltimore Ravens as an Undrafted Free Agent
4/30/2026, 2:38:34 AM
Core Signing and Immediate Context
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, 2026-04-28. The deal was announced after the Ravens had invited Pavia to rookie minicamp; the team elected to sign him before the tryout. Pavia joins a quarterback room that already includes starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley, and he will compete with fellow undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano for the remaining roster spot.
Background: Vanderbilt Success and Draft Outcome
Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt in 2020 after two seasons at New Mexico State. Over two years he led the Commodores to a historic 10-win season, setting school records with 3,539 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns in 2025, while completing 70.6 % of his passes. He also rushed for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns, accounting for 39 total touchdowns. Despite these achievements, Pavia was the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Data & Statistics
- Height: measured 5 ft 9 7/8 in at the NFL Scouting Combine (Vanderbilt listed him at 6 ft).
- College career: 62.2 % completion, 10,255 passing yards, 88 passing TDs, 27 interceptions; 3,098 rushing yards, 31 rushing TDs.
- 2025 season: 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing TDs, 862 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 70.6 % completion, 39 total TDs.
Official Statements & Responses
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said the organization will give Pavia “a clean slate” and evaluate him on the field. He emphasized that the rookie will need to “show who you really are” through his actions. General manager Eric DeCosta confirmed that the competition for the third-quarterback spot will be decided on merit, noting the team feels “really good” about both Jackson and Huntley and that the remaining contest will determine “who the best man is.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts and scouts highlighted Pavia’s undersized frame and questioned his arm strength and pocket mechanics. Off-field concerns were also noted: after finishing second in Heisman voting, Pavia posted a profanity-laden sign targeting Indiana and later apologized, prompting remarks that his “brash confidence” could be off-putting to some teams. These issues were referenced by Minter when he mentioned future talks about “how to handle certain things a little bit better.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact terms of the contract; while all agree it is a three-year deal, details such as signing bonus and guaranteed money are not disclosed. Some reports state Pavia bypassed the minicamp tryout entirely, whereas others note he was initially invited. Additionally, the depth-chart description varies: a few outlets label the competition as for the third-quarterback spot, while others refer to a potential fourth quarterback on the roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One thing I would say about Diego — and Clark Lea, the head coach at Vanderbilt, is a really dear, close friend of mine — this guy was a force multiplier at Vanderbilt,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “We’ll certainly have some talks about maybe how to handle certain things a little bit better.” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “We feel really good about Lamar and we feel really good about ‘Snoop’ Huntley,” — Eric DeCosta, Ravens general manager
- “After that, it’s basically a contest to see who the best man is.” — Eric DeCosta, Ravens general manager
- “Yeah, my size has been doubted my whole life," Pavia told reporters at the Senior Bowl in January.” — Diego Pavia, former Vanderbilt quarterback
What’s Next
The Ravens’ rookie minicamp runs May 1-3, after which the team will hold training camp and preseason games to assess Pavia and Fagnano. Their performance will determine whether either secures a spot on the 53-man roster or is placed on the practice squad.
