Diego Pavia’s NFL Journey Takes a Turn

Currently, Diego Pavia finds himself without an NFL team.

The former Heisman Trophy finalist was released by the Ravens just before training camp this summer, leaving the rookie quarterback seeking his next chance. Pavia had signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent after a notable season at Vanderbilt, where he was recognized as one of the top players in college football.

During spring practices, he aimed for the third-string quarterback position but ultimately faced stiff competition from veteran Skyler Thompson and rookie Joe Fagnano. The team later clarified that they had released Pavia to make room for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who officially joined the Ravens. The quarterback lineup remains crowded with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley leading the charge.

Pavia had an impressive run at Vanderbilt, guiding the team to a 10-3 record in 2025, which marked the first time the program achieved double-digit wins. They averaged 334.8 yards per game, ranking them second among all FBS teams. His efforts did not go unnoticed; he picked up numerous accolades, including First Team All-American honors and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.

Despite his success, concerns regarding his height circulated during the pre-draft discussions. Additionally, he faced criticism after losing the Heisman trophy and posting on social media an impulsive message aimed at the voters. He later had to apologize for that incident.

Pavia made history as the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted, which must have been a tough pill to swallow. Earlier this year, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter described Pavia as a “power multiplier” when they brought him on. He viewed the opportunity in Baltimore as a “blank slate” for Pavia, encouraging him to come in as an undrafted rookie and prove himself on the field. Minter expressed hope that Pavia could utilize this clean slate to showcase his talents.