The Baltimore Ravens have waived quarterback Diego Pavia, a former Vanderbilt standout and Heisman Trophy runner-up, just one day before rookies were scheduled to report for training camp. Pavia had signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in April after being overlooked in the NFL Draft.
Pavia, who was a four-year starter in college, led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season, passing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. His collegiate career included 10,255 passing yards, 88 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions across 53 games. Despite his college success, his 5-foot-10 stature raised questions among scouts about his potential to translate his skills to the professional level.
Pavia's NFL journey with the Ravens included a three-year contract, but he will not have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot. The team will instead focus on quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Joe Fagnano for backup roles behind starter Lamar Jackson and veteran Tyler Huntley. Pavia had reportedly hoped to contend for the third quarterback position on the depth chart.
His departure from the Ravens follows a period of public scrutiny. Bizarre footage surfaced in March allegedly showing Pavia at a New Mexico strip club with a significant amount of cash. This incident occurred shortly after he was passed over in the NFL Draft and after a controversial social media post following his Heisman Trophy runner-up finish.
Pavia also had a prior controversy involving a "F*** INDIANA" sign displayed at a club after losing the Heisman vote to quarterback Fernando Mendoza.