The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia as an undrafted rookie free agent, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot at the quarterback position. Coach Jesse Minter told reporters on Saturday that the team expects Pavia to demonstrate his abilities quickly. “He’s in the door now, and we want to see what he can do,” Minter said, referencing the typical expectations placed on undrafted players.
Pavia, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023, became the first finalist to go undrafted in twelve years. He joins a quarterback group that includes veteran Ryan Tannehill, newly acquired Tyler Huntley and rookie competition Joe Fagnano, who transferred from the University of Connecticut. Minter described Pavia’s signing as an “opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something,” emphasizing the low‑risk nature of the move.
The Ravens have indicated that additional quarterback acquisitions could occur during the offseason, suggesting that Pavia’s role may evolve as the roster shapes up. Despite the NFL’s media access policy, which requires teams to make rookies available for interviews, Pavia declined to speak with reporters. The media’s unanswered questions centre on his age, physical measurements and off‑field decision‑making, topics that have drawn scrutiny throughout his collegiate career.
Minter, who served as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator in 2021, highlighted Pavia’s work ethic and growth. He noted that while the quarterback has faced “learning experiences” at Vanderbilt, the feedback from the program’s staff describes a player who arrives early and works hard daily. Head coach Clark Lea, a close associate of Minter, also praised Pavia’s commitment during his final college season.
Pavia’s signing adds depth to the Ravens’ quarterback room and reflects a broader trend of NFL teams giving undrafted talent a chance to develop. His performance in training camp and preseason will determine whether he secures a spot on the 53‑man roster or remains on the practice squad. The outcome will be closely watched by analysts monitoring the impact of former college standouts who enter the league without being drafted.
