Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Vanderbilt Heisman Runner-up Diego Pavia
5/1/2026, 7:22:51 PM
Core Event: Ravens Sign Vanderbilt Heisman Runner-up Diego Pavia
The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a standard three-year undrafted-free-agent contract on the day after the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal, which can be terminated at any time, places Pavia in the team’s quarterback room behind starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley, where he will compete for the third-string spot.
College Success and Draft Slide
Vanderbilt’s 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, Diego Pavia earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award. He completed 70.6 % of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and added 862 rushing yards with ten scores. The senior’s production made him the first Heisman finalist undrafted since 2014.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jesse Minter said the Ravens will give Pavia a clean slate, evaluate his on-field work and discuss handling specific issues. He stressed that any undrafted rookie must earn a roster spot through performance and that Pavia will learn from Jackson and Huntley while providing low-cost depth.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts point to Pavia’s 5-ft-9-in (some list 5-ft-10-in) height and 207-lb frame as below the NFL prototype, noting he is smaller than Kyler Murray. At 24, his age shortens his developmental window. His outspoken demeanor has been described as overly confident, raising concerns about maturity and potential distraction.
CFL Negotiations
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold Pavia’s exclusive CFL negotiating rights. GM Kyle Walters said early talks centered on educating the player about the CFL, but after the Ravens signing the conversation was paused. Walters called Pavia “an interesting prospect” with a “big personality” and said the CFL could serve as a quality fallback if the NFL option fails.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Pavia’s height—5-ft-9-in versus 5-ft-10-in. His three-year UDFA contract is standard but terminable at any time, leaving roster status uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We'll certainly have some talks about maybe how to handle certain things a little bit better,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens Head Coach
- “[Conversations] picked up a little bit, just educating them [about the CFL].” — Kyle Walters, Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM
- “But he is an interesting prospect, and yes, we've been in contact with the agent, but it's just very early, and now that he signed with Baltimore, I don't think that it's much of a conversation moving forward at this point.” — Kyle Walters
- “He’s exciting. That guy wins,” — Kyle Walters
What’s Next
Pavia will report to Ravens training camp, likely start as a scout-team quarterback and compete for a practice-squad spot. If released, the Blue Bombers have said they could reopen talks for a CFL contract.
