Diego Pavia has ‘perfect’ landing spot in Super Bowl contender but career could lie outside NFL

Diego Pavia’s stay with the Baltimore Ravens didn’t last long.

The former Vanderbilt quarterback, who became the first Heisman Trophy finalist since 2014 to go undrafted, signed with Baltimore after he attended their rookie minicamp in April.

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But on Thursday, the team confirmed he has been waived to make room for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who has now officially signed his free agent contract.

Baltimore still has four quarterbacks on their roster — franchise icon Lamar Jackson, veteran backups Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson, and undrafted former UConn prospect Joe Fagnano.

Pavia, though, is now looking for a new employer.

The 24-year old led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record in 2025, making history with the school’s first double-digit win season.

Pavia passed for a college career high 3,539 yards, and 29 touchdowns last year, and also added 10 more scores on the ground.

He finished second among all NCAA Division I players with 334.8 total yards per game and was named first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

But despite impressive numbers, and the fact he finished second behind No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in Heisman Voting, the draft process wasn’t kind to Pavia.

Questions were raised about his age, his height (5-foot-10) and his decision-making off the field, with a ‘punk move’ at the Heisman ceremony causing particular concern.

Those factors meant Pavia went undrafted, but after being waived by the Ravens, he has a few potential landing spots.

Where could Diego Pavia land after being waived by Ravens?

Nick Brinkerhoff of USA Today Sports has touted two teams with potential interest — the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions.

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One of those, he believes, is a ‘perfect’ spot.

“An unconventional idea, but the Panthers could double down on a shorter quarterback to be the insurance option behind Bryce Young,” Brinkerhoff wrote.

“Even though they don’t have a need for a backup right now, Carolina would maintain some continuity in the event of an injury to Young.

“With Kenny Pickett and Haynes King already on the roster though, any Pavia signing would likely be for the preseason.”

Of Detroit, he added: “Teddy Bridgewater and Luke Altmyer are the only insurance behind Jared Goff on the Lions roster.

“This is a perfect spot for Pavia, given how well he fits the city and the football team’s mentality that represents it.”

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While he would no doubt love another shot in the NFL, the young QB’s future could lie north of the border.

Could Diego Pavia pivot to CFL after being waived?

Two years ago, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) added Pavia to their negotiation list.

Some believe he could now develop his skills in Canada.

“The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have Diego Pavia on their negotiation list,” TSN writer Coty Wiles posted on X Thursday.

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“Though the Bombers already have three other QBs, it’s worth mentioning Zach Collaros just hit the 6-game IL (injured list), as they were carrying four pivots before.

“I think it’s always a good idea to bring in talent. If Pavia expresses interest in coming north of the border then I think you have to look into that.”

There’s no doubt that Pavia’s pro career has got off to a rocky start.

But after being waived by the Ravens, he still has two potential landing spots in the NFL, and one in the CFL, should he wish to develop his skills there instead.

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