"Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014."
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, went undrafted during the three-day, seven-round 2026 NFL Draft. He subsequently signed a three-year undrafted free agent (UDFA) contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Contract Details
According to multiple reports, including ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pavia's contract is a standard three-year UDFA deal. The NFL rookie minimum base salary for 2026 is approximately $885,000.
Pavia's total contract value is estimated between $885,000 and $1,005,000. The signing occurred after Pavia initially accepted an invitation to the Ravens' rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, with General Manager Eric DeCosta choosing to sign him before the camp began.
Player Profile
Pavia is 24 years old. His official height has been reported at 5 feet 9 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine, which measured him at 5 feet 9 7/8 inches. He was listed at 5 feet 10 inches in college and weighs 207 pounds.
In his final season at Vanderbilt (2025), Pavia completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He also rushed for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in completion percentage, touchdown passes, and yards per attempt (9.4). Vanderbilt finished the season with a 10-3 record, marking the program's first 10-win season.
Pavia received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, first-team All-American honors, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt from New Mexico State in 2024. In his first season with the Commodores, he completed 59.4% of his passes with a 20:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while rushing for 801 yards and eight touchdowns. He played two seasons at New Mexico State, including a 2023 season where he rushed for 923 yards. According to CBS Sports, Pavia was ranked as the No. 377 overall prospect and No. 18 quarterback in the 2026 draft class.
Roster and Competition
The Baltimore Ravens currently have quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on their roster. Huntley signed a two-year, $5 million contract this offseason. The Ravens also signed undrafted free agent quarterback Joe Fagnano.
Pavia is expected to compete for the No. 3 quarterback role during rookie minicamp and the offseason. If he does not make the Ravens' final 53-man regular season roster or practice squad, he may have other professional options.
Alternative Professional Options
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) hold Pavia's CFL negotiating rights, secured in 2024. The United Football League (UFL) is also a potential league for Pavia.
Relevant Background
According to CBS Sports and ESPN, Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014. After finishing second in Heisman voting, Pavia posted a message on social media directed at voters, which included profanity, and later apologized.
Ravens defensive coordinator Jesse Minter worked with Pavia's college coach, Clark Lea, at Vanderbilt in 2021.