Diego Pavia: undrafted Heisman finalist lands three-year Ravens deal

Just days after inviting the Vanderbilt product to rookie minicamp, Baltimore opted to skip the tryout and sign him to a three-year deal.

Why nobody picked Pavia in the NFL Draft

Production was never Pavia's issue. In 2025, he threw 29 touchdown passes, rushed for 10 scores on the ground, and accounted for 4,401 total yards.

Despite finishing second to Fernando Mendoza in the Heisman voting, he still walked away with SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and First-team All-SEC honours.

The problem, in part, was his measurables. Standing just under 5'10" tall, he's short by NFL quarterback standards.

But his reaction to losing the Heisman probably hurt his draft stock more. Upon hearing the news, Pavia took to Instagram, flashed his middle finger at the camera, and shared some expletive-filled messages toward voters and Mendoza's Indiana.

NFL teams clearly weren't keen about what they saw, and why would they?

What signing with the Ravens means for Pavia

The 24-year-old won't sniff the first team, not while two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is healthy. And even if Jackson misses time with an injury, Tyler Huntley would almost certainly be elevated to the starting role.

But this offense is built around dual-threat quarterbacks, and the Ravens coaching staff has plenty of experience developing mobile passers, even with former OC Todd Monken now in Cleveland.

For now, Pavia is third in line, competing with fellow rookie, UConn's Joe Fagnano, in what amounts to a developmental role.

In year one, a spot on the practice squad is probably the realistic target, while a third roster spot is the ceiling.

Long-term, perhaps he can dislodge Huntley, who is only signed through 2027, as Jackson's primary backup.

He's got his shot; now it's up to Pavia to keep his head down, work hard, and impress.