The Baltimore Ravens have officially waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia, making one of their first significant roster moves ahead of training camp.
The transaction comes as Baltimore reshapes its 90-man roster and creates space for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who recently signed with the team.
For Pavia, the move ends a brief offseason stint with the Ravens after joining the organization as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why Did the Ravens Waive QB Diego Pavia?
The Ravens announced that Pavia was waived to open a roster spot for veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Baltimore has been strengthening its offensive line before training camp, and the front office determined that adding an experienced center was a higher priority.
Pavia had been competing for the No. 3 quarterback role during offseason practices, but Baltimore’s quarterback room became crowded.
Current quarterbacks include:
- Lamar Jackson
- Tyler Huntley
- Skylar Thompson
- Joe Fagnano
With those four quarterbacks remaining, Pavia became the odd man out.
If you’re following NFL training camp developments, don’t miss our breakdown of the Patriots Training Camp: 5 Must-Watch Questions, where we examine the biggest storylines, key position battles, and players to watch before the regular season.
Diego Pavia’s College Success
Although he went undrafted, Pavia entered the NFL with one of the most impressive college résumés in the 2026 rookie class.
During his final season at Vanderbilt, he:
- Finished as the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up
- Won SEC Offensive Player of the Year
- Accounted for 39 total touchdowns
- Helped Vanderbilt reach its first double-digit win season in program history
Despite those accomplishments, concerns about his size and overall NFL projection contributed to him slipping out of the draft.
Why Baltimore Made This Decision
Roster decisions before training camp are often driven by positional depth rather than talent alone.
The Ravens already have:
- Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson
- Veteran backup Tyler Huntley
- Experienced quarterback Skylar Thompson
- Rookie Joe Fagnano competing for developmental reps
Keeping another quarterback would have limited opportunities elsewhere on the roster, particularly after adding Pocic to strengthen the offensive line.
What Happens Next for Diego Pavia?
Because Pavia was waived, another NFL team now has the opportunity to claim him.
If he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any franchise.
Several analysts believe another team could take a chance on the former Vanderbilt standout because of his mobility, leadership, and productive college career. Reports have also noted that the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his negotiation rights should he explore opportunities outside the NFL.
What This Means for Baltimore
The Ravens continue preparing for another playoff push with Lamar Jackson leading the offense.
Adding Ethan Pocic gives Baltimore additional experience in the trenches, while trimming the quarterback room allows coaches to focus reps on the remaining passers competing behind Jackson.
Training camp battles are expected to determine whether Baltimore keeps two or three quarterbacks on its final 53-man roster.
Final Take
The decision to waive QB Diego Pavia is more about roster construction than Pavia’s long-term potential. Baltimore prioritized offensive line depth as training camp approaches, leaving the rookie quarterback searching for his next NFL opportunity.
While his time with the Ravens was brief, Pavia’s college production should keep him on the radar for teams needing quarterback depth later this offseason.
FAQs
1. Why did the Ravens waive Diego Pavia?
The Ravens waived Pavia to create a roster spot for veteran center Ethan Pocic ahead of training camp.
2. Was Diego Pavia drafted?
No. He signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft.
3. Who are the Ravens’ quarterbacks now?
Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Joe Fagnano remain on the roster.
4. Can another NFL team sign Diego Pavia?
Yes. If he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any NFL team.
5. Why was Ethan Pocic signed?
Baltimore added the veteran center to improve offensive line depth before training camp, prompting the corresponding roster move.
