Ravens waive rookie QB Diego Pavia

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd July, 17:42 2026

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (QB14) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ravens rookie quarterback Diego Pavia was waived on Thursday to clear a roster spot for Baltimore to sign veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic.

Undrafted out of Vanderbilt, Pavia was signed by the Ravens as a free agent in April with a three-year, $3.1 million contract.

Pavia, 24, led Vanderbilt to its first season with double-digit wins and was the runner-up to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza for the 2025 Heisman Trophy while winning the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award. He had 39 total touchdowns (29 TD passes) and only eight interceptions in 2025.

A fiery competitor, Pavia was highly productive against SEC opponents but wasn't a highly rated draft prospect because of his height. He measured at just 5-foot-10-1/8 at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he opted not to participate in athletic testing and timing. He did work out in position-specific drills with the quarterbacks.

Behind starter Lamar Jackson, the Ravens list veterans Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson as their backups. The Ravens also signed 25-year-old rookie Joe Fagnano (UConn) as an undrafted free agent in April.

If Pavia goes unclaimed on waivers, he will become a free agent open to sign with any team.

Another option could be heading north to the CFL. His negotiating rights are held by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

--Field Level Media

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