Soon after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens made a splash signing, bringing in former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. After initial reports that the former Heisman Trophy contender was being invited to Baltimore for a workout, the Ravens signed him to a three-year contract. It was later revealed that the contract did not include a signing bonus or any guaranteed money, meaning the team could move on from him at no cost.
Still, Pavia has a unique opportunity to earn a spot on Baltimore's roster this offseason. As rookie minicamp got underway, head coach Jesse Minter sent the QB a clear message.
Per ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Minter told the media:
"So now he's in the door and it's like, 'Show us what you can do.' And just like all the undrafted rookies, that's what I would say."
Ravens Jesse Minter sends obvious message to Diego Pavia as rookie minicamp begins
After the momentum of securing a three-year contract, Pavia can't be feeling secure in his spot on the roster after Minter's comments. The head cach was clearly hesitant to commit to the rookie quarterback, placing him at the same level as the rest of the team's undrafted free agent signings.
Minter went on to say, "For us, we see it as an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something, and that's really what this is for us."
Pavia doesn't fit the typical mold of an NFL quarterback. He's barely over 5'10" and doesn't have the jaw-dropping athleticism or arm talent of some other undersized QBs in the league. While he was incredibly productive in the SEC, it was no shock to see him go undrafted.
The Ravens deemed his talent and tenacity as traits worth taking a chance on this offseason. The Vanderbilt product is currently competing with Joe Fagano, another undrafted free agent, for the team's third quarterback position. Of course, it's no guarantee that the team will even roster three QBs come September. However, Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, and Cooper Rush were all on the team last season.
Through minicamp, OTAs, and training camp, Pavia should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself worthy of a roster spot. He'll certainly be a popular topic in the media throughout the offseason. But at this point in the calendar, he's no closer than any of the other 16 undrafted free agents the Ravens have signed.
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