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Ravens Sign Heisman Runner-Up Pavia to Three-Year Deal

5/3/2026

38 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pavia Joins Ravens

Diego Pavia signed a three-year deal with Baltimore Ravens and attended minicamp on May 2, 2026.
Jesse Minter said Pavia has his foot in the door after splitting reps with Joe Fagnano.
At Vanderbilt, Pavia passed for 3,539 yards, 29 TDs, rushed 862 yards, was the 2025 Heisman runner-up and apologized for an “F-all the voters” Instagram post.
He will compete for Baltimore’s third-string quarterback spot behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.

Summary

Pavia Competes

The Ravens will keep two quarterbacks on the regular-season roster, limiting Pavia’s 53-man chances.
At 5-foot-9, Pavia’s height is cited as a physical limitation.
ESPN analyst Jamison Hensley says his dual-threat skill lets him mimic Jackson and Huntley.
He will compete with former UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano for the third-quarterback spot.
Coaches could keep both, cut one, or release both, a cut likely sending Pavia to a practice squad.

Summary

Pavia Pantomimes

Ravens minicamp video shows undrafted quarterback Diego Pavia pantomiming throws without pads, highlighting his short, squat build.
Pavia measured 5-foot-9 at the Senior Bowl, making him the shortest quarterback currently on an NFL roster.
Fans mocked him online while observers doubted his frame would succeed in the NFL despite Vanderbilt’s praise for his running.

History

Historical Context

Warner’s 1999 breakout—41 TD passes, 4,353 yards and a 13-3 record that led the St. Louis Rams to Super Bowl XXXIV—showed an undrafted, 5-foot-9 quarterback could become league MVP. That precedent fuels the Baltimore Ravens’ 2024 gamble on 5-foot-9 Vanderbilt graduate Diego Pavia, who will compete with dual-threat star Lamar Jackson for a roster spot.

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Pavia Joins Ravens

Diego Pavia signed a three-year deal with Baltimore Ravens and attended minicamp on May 2, 2026.
Jesse Minter said Pavia has his foot in the door after splitting reps with Joe Fagnano.
At Vanderbilt, Pavia passed for 3,539 yards, 29 TDs, rushed 862 yards, was the 2025 Heisman runner-up and apologized for an “F-all the voters” Instagram post.
He will compete for Baltimore’s third-string quarterback spot behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.

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