Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Undrafted QB Diego Pavia Amid Roster Competition
5/5/2026, 10:58:10 AM
Signing and Contract Terms
After the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year deal with no signing bonus or guaranteed money, allowing a cost-free release. He joined 16 other undrafted free agents at rookie minicamp, where head coach Jesse Minter told the media he must “show us what you can do,” treating him like any other undrafted rookie.
Roster Competition and Timeline
Pavia competes with starter Lamar Jackson, backup Tyler Huntley, veteran Cooper Rush, and undrafted free-agent Joe Fagnano. On Nov 8 2025, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Ravens’ plan to add veteran Skylar Thompson—10-game veteran with a 58.7 % completion rate, 721 yards, one TD and three INTs. Rapoport and Minter both indicated the offseason roster could hold three to five QBs, a number that may rise to six before training-camp cuts.
Official Statements & Responses
Minter called the signings “an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something,” and stressed that all undrafted players must earn roster spots while the team retains flexibility to keep three to five quarterbacks.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts described the Thompson addition as “bad news for Diego Pavia,” noting the veteran’s experience gives him a clear edge and that Pavia is “no closer than any of the other 16 undrafted free agents.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the quarterback total: Minter cited a range of three to five, while Rapoport reported a likely five before Thompson’s signing, which could raise the count to six. Analysts also disagree on Pavia’s odds, with one view equating him to other undrafted players and another citing a better fit with Jackson’s and Huntley’s skill set.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So now he's in the door and it's like, 'Show us what you can do.' And just like all the undrafted rookies, that's what I would say.” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “For us, we see it as an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something, and that's really what this is for us.” — Jesse Minter
- “The Ravens are expected to sign veteran QB Skylar Thompson, source said, and Baltimore will likely carry 5 QBs for the time being,” — Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
- “On Saturday, Ravens coach Jesse Minter said the team could carry three to five QBs this offseason and mentioned Baltimore could look at some veteran QBs,” — Jamison Hensley, ESPN
What’s Next
The Ravens will evaluate all quarterbacks during OTAs and training camp, with final cuts expected before the 53-man roster deadline. Pavia’s performance in preseason games will determine whether he remains on the roster or is released alongside other fringe players.
