Ravens sign Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia after draft snub

The Baltimore Ravens continue to reshape their quarterback depth chart, signing Diego Pavia to a three-year deal after the former Vanderbilt Commodores standout surprisingly went undrafted. A Heisman Trophy runner-up during his collegiate career, Pavia generated significant buzz following the draft, leading Baltimore to skip the rookie minicamp invite and sign Pavia outright. The Ravens moved quickly to secure Pavia after interest began to build around the league, adding him to a quarterback group that already includes fellow undrafted addition Joe Fagnano, formerly of the UConn Huskies. Baltimore signed Fagnano to a three-year deal shortly after the draft, signaling a clear focus on competition and developmental upside at the position behind Lamar Jackson.

Pavia's journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. Known for his playmaking ability, toughness, and leadership, he built a reputation as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays and elevating his offense. However, questions about his size, system fit, and overall projection contributed to his slide in the draft, making him one of the more intriguing undrafted signings in this year's class.

Pavia is the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014. Pavia will compete against Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano, who is also receiving a tryout at the Ravens rookie minicamp. Still, his production at Vanderbilt and elusive style of play make him an intriguing player to watch. In 2025, the bousterious Pavia led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record, the first double-digit win season in school history after throwing 29 touchdown passes and rushing for 10 more, earning first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year, as he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassman quarterback in college football.