Diego Pavia, a former Vanderbilt University quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up, was released by the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, July 23, prior to the start of training camp. This move has led to speculation about his next professional football opportunity, with other leagues reportedly showing interest.
The release means Pavia did not make it to the start of the Ravens’ full-squad training camp practices. He had signed a three-year contract with the Ravens in April after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. His contract had a total value of $3.1 million, with an average annual value of $1.03 million, though it included $0 in guaranteed money.
Pavia’s NFL Journey and Release
Pavia, who is 24 years old, faced an uphill battle to secure a spot on the Ravens’ roster. Concerns about his 5-foot, 10-inch frame were noted, as it is not considered typical for an NFL signal-caller. The Ravens’ quarterback room already includes Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, and Pavia was competing with fellow undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano and veteran Skylar Thompson for the third-string quarterback position.
The Ravens waived Pavia to make space for veteran center Ethan Pocic on their 90-man roster. Reports indicate that the team viewed Pavia as the fifth-best quarterback on their roster, and they decided to proceed with four quarterbacks, narrowing the competition for the third-string role to Thompson and Fagnano.
Pavia’s release occurred before training camp began, which some suggest could be beneficial as it allows him to seek opportunities with other teams. He will enter a 24-hour waiver period, during which other NFL teams can claim his existing three-year deal. If he clears waivers, he will become a free agent.
Potential Opportunities Beyond the NFL
Following his release, other professional football leagues are reportedly considering Pavia. The UFL (United Football League) has been mentioned as a potential destination, with a social media post from the spring football league leading to speculation about his future. The UFL has a history of signing notable players, and some of its recent graduates, such as KaVontae Turpin, Brandon Aubrey, and Harrison Mevis, have gone on to play in the NFL.
The CFL (Canadian Football League) is another viable option that provides opportunities for quarterbacks and other talented players. The CFL season runs through October, potentially offering Pavia a chance to continue playing professionally. Despite his release from the Ravens, it is considered likely that Pavia will get another opportunity at some level of professional competition, given his skill set.
During his time at Vanderbilt, Pavia helped transform the team into an SEC contender, leading them to a 10-3 record in his final season, which marked the program’s first 10-win season. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 2025 to Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, who was the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pavia’s comments on social media after the Heisman Trophy announcement, where he wrote “F-all the voters,” may have raised some personality concerns.
Even with his release, NFL teams are continuously looking for players as the season approaches, especially as injuries occur. NFL rosters will not be cut down to the final 53-man squads until August 30.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.