The Contract
Diego Pavia signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal represents a significant change from his initial status as a rookie minicamp invitee. Multiple reports on April 28, 2026 confirmed the Ravens signed the former Vanderbilt quarterback to this multi-year agreement, bypassing the tryout route he was originally scheduled to attend.
Path to NFL Signing
Pavia initially went undrafted despite finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick. He was not signed as an undrafted free agent and received only an invitation to Baltimore's rookie camp. However, the Ravens subsequently changed course and offered him a three-year contract. During this period, the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers also placed him on their negotiation list, indicating interest from professional leagues beyond the NFL.
College Accomplishments
At Vanderbilt, Pavia established himself as an elite college performer. In his final season, he threw for 3,539 yards with a 70.6% completion rate, posted a 29-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and added 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in 13 starts. He earned second-team All-American honors, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He led Vanderbilt to 10 wins in 2025 with video-game offensive statistics.
Physical and Playing Concerns
Pavia stands 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, which created size concerns for NFL scouts. Analysts noted his arm strength as mediocre and lacked prototypical NFL quarterback measurables. His lack of size raised questions about vision clarity behind NFL offensive lines, and scouts identified concerns about anticipation throws and deep ball accuracy. Despite his college excellence, these physical limitations factored significantly into his undrafted status.
Off-Field Narrative
Pavia faced character questions and negative headlines leading to the draft. He posted 'F--- ALL THE VOTERS' on social media after losing the Heisman Trophy, had a reported strip club visit in Albuquerque before the draft, and was associated with various off-field incidents throughout his college career. Media coverage also included inaccurate reporting, such as claims he lacked an NFL agent when he had signed with agent Malki Kawa in January. These factors contributed to teams viewing him as a potential distraction despite his elite production. 
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