Diego Pavia Signs NFL Contract with Ravens Ahead of Rookie Minicamp
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has secured his first NFL contract with the Baltimore Ravens, as reported by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. The deal, which is a typical three-year contract for undrafted players, comes just before the Ravens' rookie minicamp. Initially invited to the camp on a tryout basis, general manager Eric DeCosta made the decision to sign Pavia ahead of the event. Alongside Pavia, the Ravens also added former Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano this week. Pavia made headlines as the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014. Despite a standout career at Vanderbilt, where he set single-season records for passing yards (3,539) and passing touchdowns (29), he was ranked as CBS Sports' No. 377 overall prospect and the No. 18 quarterback in this draft class. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Pavia measured at 5-foot-9 ⅞ inches, making him shorter than any NFL quarterback. At 24 years old, he began his college career in 2020. His polarizing persona has drawn mixed reactions; while some appreciate his confidence, others find it off-putting. After finishing second in the Heisman voting to Fernando Mendoza, Pavia faced scrutiny for his social media posts and public behavior, which included an apology for a controversial message. Pavia's journey continues as he prepares to prove himself in the NFL.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-28