The Baltimore Ravens waived quarterback Diego Pavia on Wednesday, cutting ties with the former Heisman Trophy finalist just days before the team’s training camp opens. Pavia had signed a three-year deal with Baltimore in April following the 2026 NFL Draft.
The move ends a brief tenure for a player whose college career captivated fans but whose professional path remains uncertain. Pavia became the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted in more than a decade, a distinction that underscored both his unconventional rise and the questions NFL teams had about his pro ceiling.
A Short Stay in Baltimore
Pavia joined the Ravens as one of the more intriguing undrafted free agents of the 2026 class. His three-year contract suggested Baltimore saw enough potential to invest developmental time in the quarterback, who built his reputation on grit, playmaking, and late-season heroics at the college level.
But the Ravens’ quarterback room left little margin for a long look. With Lamar Jackson entrenched as the starter and veteran depth already in place, Pavia faced an uphill battle to carve out reps, let alone a roster spot. Waiving him before camp begins signals the front office may have reassessed the depth chart after offseason workouts and minicamp.
The Heisman Finalist Who Went Undrafted
Pavia’s draft slide was one of the storylines of the weekend. Heisman finalists are typically considered near-locks to hear their names called, and the NFL has rewarded that pedigree for years. Pavia’s wait through all seven rounds — and the subsequent scramble to sign him as a free agent — put him in rare and unwelcome company.
Scouts reportedly flagged concerns about arm strength, processing speed, and the translation of his off-script playmaking to a structured pro offense. Supporters pointed to his production, leadership, and ability to elevate teammates as evidence he deserved a longer look. The Ravens offered that look. It lasted less than three months.
What Happens Next
Pavia now passes through the NFL waiver system, where the other 31 teams have an opportunity to claim his contract. If unclaimed, he becomes a free agent and could latch on with a team seeking a camp arm or a practice-squad developmental prospect. Quarterback-needy clubs that valued his college tape may circle back now that acquiring him carries no draft-capital cost.
For Baltimore, the roster move opens space ahead of camp and closes the book on a low-risk flier that simply didn’t fit. The broader question — whether a Heisman finalist can stick in the NFL after going undrafted — now shifts to Pavia’s next stop, wherever that may be.
— James Okafor, sports desk, AXO News