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Ravens Sign Heisman Runner-Up QB Diego Pavia

4/30/2026

Summary

Ravens Sign Pavia

The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year free-agent contract on April 29, 2026 after he finished as the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Pavia posted 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns at Vanderbilt.
Coach Jesse Minter said the non-guaranteed three-year deal gives Pavia a clean slate and lets the Ravens evaluate him before the September roster deadline.

Summary

Pavia’s Rise

Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt, became the starting quarterback, and helped the Commodores achieve a 10-3 season, the first double-digit win record.
He earned Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after leading New Mexico State to a 10-win season that included an Auburn victory.
If released by the Ravens, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have placed Pavia on their negotiation list as a CFL option.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Baltimore Ravens signed former Heisman winner Charles Woodson to a three-year, $5.7 million free-agent deal, immediately bolstering a defense coordinated by Marvin Lewis. The move began a pattern of the Ravens using contracts to add playmakers, a strategy echoed on April 29 2026 when the team offered Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia a three-year, non-guaranteed deal.

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Ravens Sign Pavia

The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year free-agent contract on April 29, 2026 after he finished as the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Pavia posted 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns at Vanderbilt.
Coach Jesse Minter said the non-guaranteed three-year deal gives Pavia a clean slate and lets the Ravens evaluate him before the September roster deadline.

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