Diego Pavia’s stay with the Baltimore Ravens didn’t last long. After signing the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt on May 1, the Ravens waived him 83 days later on Thursday, just one day before rookies were set to report to Baltimore’s training camp.
We have waived QB Diego Pavia.https://t.co/Q1wbCbkwLe
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 23, 2026
Pavia was in the mix to compete for the third spot on Baltimore’s quarterback depth chart behind two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley. Pavia’s competition for that spot was 2022 seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson and 2026 undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano out of Connecticut. There’s a good chance the Ravens won’t carry more than Jackson and Huntley on the 53-man roster during the 2026 season, with the third quarterback spending most of their time on the team’s practice squad. Baltimore will likely divide up the majority of their preseason game reps between those two quarterbacks.
The 2025 Heisman runner-up led the Commodores to their first 10-win season in school history while setting single-season school records for wins, passing yards (3,539) and passing touchdowns (29). He ranked second in college football in total yards per game (338.5) and tied for third in the sport in total touchdowns (39). Pavia’s 119 career total touchdowns and 88 career passing touchdowns both led college football since 2022. At his size (5-foot-10, 203 pounds), sticking around the NFL will be an uphill battle for the 24-year-old rookie. That’s especially true for NFL teams that could view him as not worth the time, given the potential distraction factor he brings. Pavia posted an expletive-filled image about the Heisman voters after he lost out on the award to Fernando Mendoza before eventually apologizing for doing so.
So where could Pavia’s next landing spots be? Here are a few potential options.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have one of the worst quarterback rooms in the entire NFL. Geno Smith, who will turn 36-years-old during the 2026 season, is likely to be the team’s Week 1 starter just a year removed from becoming the sixth quarterback since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to lead the league in both interceptions and sacks taken in the same season. Behind Smith are 2026 fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik and two veterans: Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
The Jets are playing for the future in 2026, aiming to snag a franchise quarterback in the loaded 2027 NFL Draft. Why not give Pavia a turn to see if he can hang at the NFL level? There’s a good chance he can be a solid co-captain of New York’s tank brigade in 2026.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL
Winnipeg has owned Pavia’s Canadian Football League negotiating rights since 2024, and they may be in a position to make good on those rights with the popular 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year this offseason. Regardless of physical stature, Pavia would immediately become one of the CFL’s most talented quarterbacks.
The United Football League
Obviously, Pavia will look to secure some form of football employment for the fall, whether that’s an NFL practice squad or a spot in the CFL. However, the UFL in the spring of 2027 would make plenty of sense for him. It’s a chance to receive immediate playing time while suiting up alongside other players just on the fringe of making the NFL. This is where he’ll likely find the most talented teammates outside of the NFL itself. Plus, he’s a big name who could juice the UFL’s TV ratings.
The world of podcasting and social media
If Pavia is unable to find a football landing spot for the fall, he could quickly navigate into the world of podcasting and social media. He has both a big personality and a sizable Instagram following of 112,000. Plus, he has relationships with comedian Theo Von and others in the entertainment industry. That could add up to a comfortable post-football life if Pavia feels his playing days are over.
