Why Diego Pavia’s NFL future includes a surprising CFL option after 2026 NFL Draft

Why Diego Pavia’s NFL future includes a surprising CFL option after 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Diego Pavia’s path to professional football did not follow the script many expected. After a standout season with the Vanderbilt Commodores that put him firmly in the national spotlight, the quarterback entered the 2026 NFL Draft with real momentum. He was productive, experienced, and coming off a year that saw him finish near the top of the sport’s biggest individual award race. Still, when draft weekend came and went, Pavia was left waiting.

That outcome immediately shifted the conversation around his future. Instead of landing in a clear developmental situation, he now finds himself navigating a more complex professional landscape. There is still an NFL opportunity on the table, but it comes with uncertainty. At the same time, a lesser-known detail involving his Canadian Football League rights adds another layer to what happens next.

Ravens minicamp offers a real but narrow opportunity

Pavia’s immediate focus is on the Baltimore Ravens, where he has accepted an invitation to rookie minicamp. For undrafted players, this is often the first and most important step toward earning a roster spot or practice squad role.

The margin for error is small. Reps are limited, and evaluations happen quickly. Quarterbacks in these settings need to show command, decision-making, and adaptability almost immediately. Pavia’s college profile suggests he can compete in that environment. His accuracy, mobility, and ability to process defenses were key parts of his success, and those traits tend to translate well in camp settings.

Still, nothing is guaranteed. A strong showing could extend his NFL opportunity. A quiet one could close that door just as fast.

Winnipeg holds the key if the NFL path stalls

If things do not materialize in Baltimore, Pavia already has a defined alternative. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his CFL negotiating rights, a detail that quietly shapes his long-term outlook.