Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia as Undrafted Free Agent
4/30/2026, 5:36:55 AM
Core Signing Details
On April 28 2026 the Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted quarterbacks Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano to three-year contracts before the May 1-3 rookie minicamp. The deals meet the league minimum for undrafted free agents, guaranteeing each player at least $885,000 for the 2026 season. Pavia joins a quarterback group led by starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley.
Background & College Production
Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season (10-3) and earned first-team All-American honors, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He posted 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, a 70.6 % completion rate, and a 170.4 passer rating, plus 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 334.8 total yards per game (some sources list 338.5). The NFL Combine measured him at 5 ft 9 7/8 in, though Vanderbilt listed him at 6 ft. He was 24 years old at signing.
Official Team Statements
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter called Pavia a “force multiplier” who improves teammates and works tirelessly. Minter added that the organization will discuss “how to handle certain things a little bit better,” referencing past social-media incidents. General manager Eric DeCosta confirmed the early signing was intended to lock Pavia in before other teams could intervene during minicamp.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts note Pavia’s sub-5 ft 10 in stature as atypical for NFL quarterbacks, raising durability and scheme-fit questions. His age (24) and a public Instagram post criticizing Heisman voters have fueled doubts about his maturity. Historically, the Ravens have kept only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster in four of the past five seasons, making a third-string spot uncertain.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Pavia’s height—Vanderbilt lists 6 ft, the Combine recorded 5 ft 9 7/8 in—and on his total-yardage average (334.8 vs. 338.5 yards per game). No guaranteed money beyond the league minimum has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This guy is a force multiplier at Vanderbilt” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “Make a note, Taysom Hill,” — Jon Gruden, former NFL coach
- “Put me on the f—--- field.” — Diego Pavia
- “@diegopavia02 I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN!,” — Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach
Outlook & Next Steps
Pavia will compete with Fagnano for the third-string quarterback slot. Given the Ravens’ recent preference for a two-quarterback roster, a practice-squad assignment is the most likely outcome, where he could be developed as a downhill runner complementing Jackson’s speed. Coaches have hinted at “Taysom Hill-like” packages to leverage his dual-threat skill set. The quarterbacks will attend the May 1-3 rookie minicamp, followed by the voluntary offseason program and veteran minicamp, after which the team will decide whether to retain one of the UDFAs on the active roster or practice squad.
