Ravens Waive Quarterback Diego Pavia Ahead of Training Camp
The Baltimore Ravens made a notable roster move Thursday by waiving rookie quarterback Diego Pavia, ending his brief stint with the organization before the start of training camp. The move clears a spot on the 90-man roster for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who officially signed with the team earlier in the day.
Pavia arrived in Baltimore as one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents in the 2026 class. After finishing as the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up and leading Vanderbilt through one of the nation’s biggest turnarounds, many believed he had a chance to compete for the Ravens’ No. 3 quarterback job despite going undrafted.
Instead, Baltimore chose to trim its quarterback room before training camp officially opened.
With Lamar Jackson firmly entrenched as the starter and Tyler Huntley returning as the veteran backup, the competition for the final quarterback spot has narrowed to veteran Skylar Thompson and fellow undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano. Thompson reportedly impressed the coaching staff during offseason workouts and minicamp, while Fagnano will now receive additional opportunities throughout training camp and the preseason.
Pavia’s path to the NFL was one of college football’s best stories. After beginning his career at New Mexico Military Institute, he transferred to New Mexico State before starring at Vanderbilt. During his final collegiate season, Pavia developed into one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, First-Team All-American recognition and a trip to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Baltimore signed Pavia shortly after the NFL Draft, hoping his competitive style and playmaking ability could translate to the professional level. The Ravens also had familiarity with him because head coach Jesse Minter has a close relationship with Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea, who coached Pavia during his final two collegiate seasons.
While Pavia showed toughness, mobility and leadership throughout rookie minicamp and offseason practices, roster numbers ultimately worked against him. The addition of Ethan Pocic gave Baltimore experienced depth along the offensive line, a position viewed as a much greater immediate need entering training camp.
MSB Analysis
This move is more about roster construction than an indictment of Diego Pavia’s talent.
The Ravens have historically kept only two quarterbacks on their active roster, making the No. 3 job extremely difficult to win. With Jackson and Huntley secure, plus Thompson’s strong offseason, Pavia simply ran out of opportunities.
Considering his decorated college career and winning pedigree, it would not be surprising to see another NFL team claim him or bring him in after injuries begin to occur around the league during training camp. His athleticism, competitiveness and experience in multiple offensive systems should keep him on NFL radar throughout the season.
For Baltimore, the signing of Ethan Pocic strengthens the offensive line while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to protecting Lamar Jackson heading into what they hope will be a playoff run in 2026.
