Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Heisman Runner-Up Diego Pavia as Undrafted Free Agent
4/30/2026, 4:31:22 AM
Core Signing Details
The Baltimore Ravens announced a three-year contract with former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, on April 29, 2026. The deal was finalized before Pavia’s scheduled rookie-minicamp tryout, placing him on the 90-man offseason roster alongside fellow undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano. Both quarterbacks will compete for the team’s third-string quarterback slot behind starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley.
Background & Context
Pavia’s collegiate résumé includes a 10-3 season at Vanderbilt—the program’s first double-digit win total—SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, first-team All-American selection, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He finished second in Heisman voting to Fernando Mendoza, posting 3,539 passing yards (71 % completion), 29 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 862 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns. Despite these achievements, concerns about his 5-foot-10 (or 5-foot-9 7/8 ) stature, deep-ball accuracy, and off-field remarks contributed to his undrafted status—the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted in twelve years.
Timeline
- December 2025: Heisman voting; Pavia posts “F- ALL THE VOTERS” on Instagram, later apologizes.
- April 2026: 2026 NFL Draft; Pavia goes undrafted.
- April 29 2026: Ravens sign Pavia and Fagnano to three-year contracts.
- May 1-3 2026: Rookie minicamp at Owings Mills, Maryland.
Data & Statistics
- Passing: 3,539 yards, 71 % completion, 29 TD, 8 INT.
- Rushing: 862 yards, 10 TD.
- SEC leader in completion percentage (70.6 %), passing TDs (29) and passer rating (170.4).
- Age: 24; Height: listed as 5-foot-10, measured 5-foot-9 7/8 at the combine.
- Draft: Undrafted; first Heisman finalist undrafted since 2014; first runner-up undrafted since 2003.
Why It Matters
Pavia’s dual-threat skill set aligns with the Ravens’ mobile-quarterback scheme, offering a potential alternative to Jackson’s speed-focused runs. His presence intensifies competition for the third-quarterback role and may influence practice-squad allocations, roster flexibility, and the team’s cultural emphasis on “Raven” physicality.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jesse Minter emphasized a “clean slate” for Pavia, noting that the quarterback will be judged on on-field performance and conduct. Minter described Pavia as a “force multiplier” at Vanderbilt and indicated the organization will discuss “how to handle certain things a little better.” The Ravens’ front office confirmed the three-year, non-guaranteed contract and the simultaneous signing of Joe Fagnano.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Pavia’s sub-average height for an NFL quarterback and questioned his deep-pass accuracy. His social-media outburst toward Heisman voters and a reputation for brash confidence have raised doubts about maturity and team chemistry. Some scouts suggested his size and decision-making could limit his NFL viability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Pavia’s exact height—some list 5-foot-10, others 5-foot-9 7/8 . Contract details are uniformly described as three-year deals, but guarantee terms are unspecified. While most outlets cite his age as 24, the timeline of his college career (starting in 2020) suggests a later-than-typical draft age.
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 how to handle certain things a little better,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “F- ALL THE VOTERS” — Diego Pavia, quarterback (Instagram caption)
- “Make a note, Taysom Hill,” — Jon Gruden, former NFL coach (advice to Pavia)
- “Hell yeah, put me on the field … as long as we’re winning, I don’t care.” — Diego Pavia, quarterback
What’s Next
Pavia will attend the May 1-3 rookie minicamp, where he and Fagnano will vie for the third-quarterback slot. Performance in the voluntary offseason program will determine whether either earns a spot on the 53-man roster, a practice-squad position, or is released before training camp. The outcome will shape the Ravens’ quarterback depth heading into the 2026 season.
