Baltimore Ravens Sign Undrafted Quarterback Diego Pavia to Three-Year Deal

The Baltimore Ravens have added a high-production, high-energy spark to their quarterback room, signing former Vanderbilt standout Diego Pavia to a three-year rookie contract. The move comes after Pavia, a Heisman Trophy finalist, went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the first player to reach that stage of the Heisman race and remain undrafted since 2014.

Pavia was initially invited to the Ravens’ minicamp this weekend as an undrafted free agent. However, the organization moved quickly to secure his signature before the camp began, signaling a clear interest in the quarterback’s unique playstyle and leadership capabilities.

Ravens signing undrafted free agent QB Diego Pavia to 3-year deal. (via @AdamSchefter)

A Rare Path to the Pros

For most Heisman finalists, the NFL Draft is a formality. For Pavia, it was a hurdle. Despite a historic run at Vanderbilt, Pavia entered the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent. Scouting reports frequently cited his height—listed at 5 feet 10 1/8 inches—and certain character concerns as factors that pushed him down draft boards. In a league that often prioritizes the “prototypical” quarterback frame, Pavia’s stature is unconventional.

But the tape tells a different story. Pavia is a dual-threat operator who thrives under pressure, blending precise passing with an innate ability to extend plays with his legs. This versatility is exactly what has drawn the attention of a Baltimore franchise built on the success of mobile, dynamic quarterbacks.

Note for readers: In NFL terms, an “undrafted free agent” (UDFA) is a player who wasn’t selected in any of the seven rounds of the draft but is signed by a team to fill out the roster or compete for a spot during training camp.

The Vanderbilt Transformation

Pavia’s journey to the NFL was anything but linear. He began his collegiate career at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he helped lead the Broncos to a 2021 NJCAA National Football Championship. He then moved to New Mexico State, earning CUSA Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 before making the jump to the SEC with the Vanderbilt Commodores.

At Vanderbilt, Pavia didn’t just play quarterback; he shifted the program’s culture. He led the Commodores to 10 victories, the most in the history of the university. His 2025 campaign was a masterclass in efficiency and aggression, earning him a sweep of the most prestigious awards in the college game.

By the Numbers: Pavia’s Collegiate Peak

• Total Yardage: 4,401 total yards during his award-winning tenure.
• Touchdowns: 39 total touchdowns, including 10 rushing scores.
• SEC Dominance: Led the SEC with 29 passing touchdowns.
• Accuracy: Maintained a 70.6% completion percentage.

His trophy case from 2025 reflects a dominant season: the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, SN College Football Player of the Year, and SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Fitting Into the Ravens’ Depth Chart

Pavia joins a quarterback room headlined by Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP and the gold standard for dual-threat play in the modern NFL. While Jackson remains the undisputed starter, the Ravens are clearly looking to cultivate a developmental pipeline of quarterbacks who can mimic that versatility.

Currently, Pavia slots into the third spot on the depth chart, trailing Jackson and Tyler Huntley, and sitting ahead of Joey Fagnano. For Pavia, the opportunity is twofold: he gets to learn from one of the greatest athletes in league history while competing for a backup role in a high-stakes AFC North environment.

The Ravens’ decision to sign him before minicamp suggests they view him as more than just a “camp body.” They are betting that the same tenacity that allowed him to dominate the SEC will translate to the professional level, regardless of his height.

The Human Element: Roots and Resilience

Beyond the statistics and the draft slides, Pavia’s story is one of resilience. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and possessing roots in both Mexico and Spain, Pavia grew up in a single-parent household. He was raised by his mother, Antoinette Padilla, a nurse whose support fueled his athletic ambitions.

In high school at Volcano Vista, Pavia was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, baseball, and wrestling—the latter of which saw him capture a state championship. This multi-sport background often translates to a higher “football IQ” and better spatial awareness on the field, traits that scouts noted during his time at Vanderbilt.

What’s Next for Pavia?

The immediate focus for the rookie is the Ravens’ minicamp. He will be tasked with mastering a complex NFL playbook and proving that his accuracy and decision-making can hold up against professional defenses. For a player who has spent his college career overcoming expectations—from the military institute to the SEC—the challenge of the NFL is a natural next step.

The Ravens will continue to evaluate Pavia through the summer, with training camp serving as the ultimate litmus test for whether he can carve out a permanent place in Baltimore.

Next Checkpoint: Diego Pavia will report to the Baltimore Ravens’ minicamp this weekend to begin his professional career.

Do you think Diego Pavia’s playstyle is a perfect fit for the Ravens’ system? Let us understand your thoughts in the comments below.