Quarterback Diego Pavia has had a rough start to his NFL career, as he got waived by the Baltimore Ravens. So, the question is, is Pavia’s NFL journey done?
What Is Diego Pavia’s NFL Future?
Pavia came into the NFL Draft back in April with a mixed profile. On one hand, Pavia had a very good 2025 season at Vanderbilt. He had 29 passing touchdowns to only 8 interceptions, and helped Vanderbilt go 10-3. The team went undefeated at home as well, going 7-0.
For his great season, Pavia got an A grade and ranked first in the nation with an impact score of 94.9 on PFN’s CFB QB Impact Metric. Additionally, he was a Heisman finalist before losing to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Like Mendoza, Pavia hoped to go high in the NFL draft; however, that did not happen as the latter went undrafted.
The reason that Pavia went undrafted is also similar to the reasons that he was cut by the Ravens. For starters, one is Pavia’s height: he is fairly short at 5-foot-10. Now, short quarterbacks have seen success in the NFL, as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson, who are both considered short by consensus, have each won a Super Bowl.
However, Pavia is shorter than both of those. Wilson is 5-foot-11, and Brees is 6-foot. Even though Wilson is only one inch taller than Pavia, that does make a difference in the NFL.
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Another reason that Pavia fell in the draft and could have been cut by Baltimore is his off-the-field issues. Pavia has been reported as having a brash and immature personality. One example is after losing the Heisman to Mendoza, Pavia was spotted near a sign that said “(expletive) Indiana” in a club.
So, where does Pavia go now? Well, it may seem like his NFL time is over; however, there are some teams where he could go. While Pavia got waived by one NFL team that wears gold and purple, the other one, the Minnesota Vikings, could be a viable option.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown in his time as Vikings head coach to be somewhat of a quarterback whisperer, as he helped Sam Darnold have his breakout year in 2024. Pavia’s shorter height and mobility are traits Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray shares, so the Vanderbilt product could learn from Murray and serve as a developmental project.
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Another team could be the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether it be signing Michael Vick when he was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles or drafting Patrick Mahomes at pick 10, Andy Reid has shown the ability to take a flyer on a quarterback’s potential.
Whether it be the Vikings, Chiefs, or another team, Pavia would more likely be a backup in the league. As per PFN’s scouting report, “Pavia has the desired mobility, toughness, and quick-game utility to function as an NFL backup, but his ceiling is likely capped beyond that.”
If the NFL does not work out, Pavia could play in other football leagues to continue his playing days.
Overall, although this is a major setback for Pavia, there is still hope for him in the football world.
