Undrafted Star Diego Pavia Gets Surprise Shot with Ravens: Could NFL Scouts Regret the 2026 Draft Snub?

Baltimore, MD — In a surprise roster move just hours before rookie camp, the Baltimore Ravens have waived quarterback Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up who signed as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt two months ago. Highlights • Pavia becomes the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted and now the first in that span to be cut before his first NFL practice. • The Ravens clear a roster spot for veteran backup Trace McSorley, whom the club re-signed Thursday afternoon. • Multiple X (formerly Twitter) insiders report at least three quarterback-needy teams have already reached out to Pavia’s agent, including the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets. Why the Ravens Moved On General manager Eric DeCosta cited “roster flexibility” and “scheme fit” but declined to elaborate. League sources tell Yahoo Sports the coaching staff had concerns about Pavia’s 6-foot frame and off-schedule playing style translating to Todd Monken’s timing-based system. The front office also wanted an experienced clipboard holder behind Lamar Jackson after McSorley became available. College Stardom vs. Pro Projection At Vanderbilt, Pavia led the nation with 7.5 yards per play, throwing 39 touchdowns against seven interceptions while adding 823 rushing yards. His electric highlight reel made him a viral sensation, yet scouts flagged inconsistent footwork and a penchant for “hero-ball” turnovers. Those questions, coupled with a polarizing social-media persona, caused him to tumble out of April’s draft. What Happens Next Because he was waived before Aug. 1, Pavia is not subject to the new three-year UDFA restriction and can sign anywhere immediately. Look for teams that: • run heavy RPO or boot-action concepts, • lack a clear QB2, and • have cap room for a developmental contract. Las Vegas’ staff worked Pavia out privately before the draft, while Jets GM Joe Douglas openly praised his “juice” during combine interviews. Both clubs could claim him on Friday. Social Media Reaction Deion Sanders tweeted “Keep grinding, young king. Detours create destiny,” echoing the swell of player support flooding X within minutes of the transaction. Meanwhile, Ravens fans split sharply, some praising the front office’s decisiveness, others lamenting the loss of a potential “Taysom Hill-type weapon.” Key Numbers • 71.4 % adjusted completion rate vs. Power-5 defenses in 2025 • 4.57-second 40-yard dash at Vanderbilt pro day • 153.8 NFL passer rating on play-action throws (college metric) • 0.67 EPA per designed run, tops among SEC quarterbacks Bottom Line Diego Pavia’s NFL journey just hit its first detour, but the combination of dual-threat athleticism, collegiate production, and headline-grabbing swagger ensures the 23-year-old will remain on front-office radar screens. Whether he becomes the next Kurt Warner-style late bloomer or another cautionary tale of college stardom failing to translate will hinge on finding the right scheme — and seizing the next opportunity that’s sure to come soon.