November 29, 2025, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA: Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia 2 runs against Tennessee during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Knoxville USA - ZUMAh237 20251129_zsp_h237_020 Copyright: xCamdenxHallx

Jul 24, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT

Diego Pavia's NFL career goes from bad to worse after Ravens cut him off before training camp

Diego Pavia's rocky path to the NFL just got rockier. The Baltimore Ravens waived the quarterback on Thursday, just one day before rookies were set to report to training camp. It's a stunning setback for a player who entered the league with one of the most talked-about resumes in this year's draft class.

“The #Ravens have waived former #Vanderbilt star QB Diego Pavia prior to training camp,” posted NFL Insider Ian Rapoport via an X post on July 24.

Pavia signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent back in April, hoping to carve out the No. 3 quarterback spot behind two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran Tyler Huntley. That competition is now down to Skylar Thompson and Joe Fagnano, with Pavia no longer part of the picture.

This move, as posted by Ian Rapoport on X, came as Baltimore made room on the 90-man roster for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who was officially signed the same day. But for Pavia, the timing couldn't be worse, cut loose on the eve of the very camp where he hoped to prove himself.

NCAA, College League, USA Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation Dec 13, 2025 New York, NY, USA Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia speaks to the media during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the New York Marriott Marquis before the presentation of the Heisman trophy. New York Jazz at Lincoln CenterÕs Appel Room NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBradxPennerx 20251213_bjp_ae5_014

Pavia's college resume is what made him such a fascinating case. He led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 season in 2025, the first double-digit win season in program history, throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns.

The Commodores averaged 334.8 total yards per game, second-most among all FBS teams. He capped the year as a first-team All-American, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Despite all of that, Pavia became the first-ever Heisman finalist not to be selected in the NFL Draft. His 5-foot-10 frame and his combative personality were a persistent question mark for scouts evaluating whether his college production would translate to Sundays.

For a player who went from Heisman finalist to draft snub to now a pre-camp roster cut, the path to sticking in the NFL keeps getting steeper.

Where can Diego Pavia land after getting cut from the Ravens?

Diego Pavia's football future is up in the air again, and this time there's no easy landing spot in sight. As per The Sporting News, a few NFL teams could make sense as landing spots.

The Browns already have a crowded quarterback room with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green, but a bad 2026 season could open the door for another shot at the position.

The Jets present a similar case, with Geno Smith viewed as only a bridge starter behind a thin group of young arms. The Panthers could use Pavia as insurance behind Bryce Young, while the Dolphins might turn to him if Malik Willis fails to develop into a full-time starter.

Most rosters, though, are already set at quarterback, leaving Pavia with a limited market.

Where do you think Diego Pavia ends up next? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Zaid Quraishi

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi