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Ravens Sign Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia, Eye Backup Role

4/30/2026

Summary

Ravens Sign Pavia

The Baltimore Ravens signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia as an undrafted free agent to a three-year deal.
Coach Jesse Minter called Pavia a “force multiplier” and said the team will discuss his “sore loser” behavior.
He will compete for the backup quarterback role behind Lamar Jackson, challenging Tyler Huntley and UDFA Joe Faganano.
At Vanderbilt, he helped the Commodores post a 10-win season with wins over LSU and Tennessee.

Summary

Ravens Rookie Minicamp

The Ravens hold a rookie minicamp May 1-3, giving quarterback Tyler Pavia his first drills under head coach Jesse Minter, who runs an offseason program.
Coordinator Declan Doyle cites Taysom Hill as a usage model for Pavia and notes Baltimore carried three quarterbacks on its opening 53-man roster in 2023.
In 2025, Lamar Jackson missed four games and posted lows, while UConn’s Joe Fagnano threw for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Summary

**Pavia On CFL**

Pavia was placed on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ negotiation list, giving him a CFL fallback if he misses Baltimore’s roster.
His UDFA contract guarantees at least $885,000 for 2026, compared with about $64,000 for a 10-game Louisville Kings season.
Pavia acted as his own agent during free agency, handling representation himself.
After the draft, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders posted “I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN!” to Pavia on X on April 25.

Summary

Pavia Apologizes

The Ravens signed undrafted quarterback Pavia to a pre-minicamp contract alongside Joe Fagnano to evaluate multiple QBs.
At 24, Pavia produced about 70 % of Vanderbilt’s 2025 offense, prompting analysts to question his development despite earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
After posting an Instagram message calling Heisman voters “F-ALL THE VOTERS” with a thumbs-down emoji, Pavia issued a public apology.

History

Historical Context

Warner’s rise from undrafted free agent to leading the St. Louis Rams to a 13-3 season and Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 1999 proved that overlooked talent could dominate the NFL. His 4,353 passing yards and 41 touchdowns sparked a league-wide shift toward low-cost quarterback scouting, a trend echoed today as the Ravens sign Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.

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Ravens Sign Pavia

The Baltimore Ravens signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia as an undrafted free agent to a three-year deal.
Coach Jesse Minter called Pavia a “force multiplier” and said the team will discuss his “sore loser” behavior.
He will compete for the backup quarterback role behind Lamar Jackson, challenging Tyler Huntley and UDFA Joe Faganano.
At Vanderbilt, he helped the Commodores post a 10-win season with wins over LSU and Tennessee.

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