Quarterback Diego Pavia is trying to find his next home. After getting waived by the Baltimore Ravens, the 24-year-old is trying to see where he could continue to play football. However, the Detroit Lions could be a possible home for him.
Why Diego Pavia Is a Great Fit for the Lions
In his long career, spanning both his time with the Los Angeles Rams and the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff has been very healthy overall. He has not missed a ton of games, so the Lions coaching staff should count on Goff to start all games this season.
However, if Goff ever goes down with an injury, the Lions do not have the best backup options available.
“Teddy Bridgewater and Luke Altmyer are the only insurance behind Jared Goff on the Lions’ roster,” Nick Brinkerhoff of USA Today wrote. “This is a perfect spot for Pavia, given how well he fits the city and the football team’s mentality that represents it.”
During his heyday, Bridgewater had a quick release and a solid arm. However, at 33, even though Bridgewater has a good football IQ, his arm is not what it used to be. Altmyer, whom the Lions signed as a free agent after the most recent draft, is 10 years younger at 23. Like Bridgewater, though, Altmyer lacks high upside, as his physical traits are mediocre.
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A backup of high caliber should be a very big focus for Detroit, as they have a gauntlet of opposing quarterbacks that they face this year. In their own division, the Lions will face Kyler Murray/J.J. McCarthy, Caleb Williams, and Jordan Love, who have shown the ability to make amazing plays inside and outside of the pocket.
Outside of the division, the Lions will also face Drake Maye and Josh Allen. Maye was PFN’s highest-ranked quarterback for the last season. On the other hand, Allen has made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks to touch the pigskin in the history of the NFL.
So, this is where Pavia enters the conversation. Pavia has great physical upside, as he can be a very effective rusher, which the other quarterbacks on the roster, even Goff, do not have. So, even if Goff does not get hurt, the Lions offense could use Pavia on some gadget-type plays, akin to how the New Orleans Saints have used Taysom Hill in seasons past.
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If Pavia ever starts due to a Goff injury, his rushing ability could also pair very well with superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions could run some read-option plays, which could make for a tricky backfield for opposing defenses to defend.
Pavia also has a quick release, meaning that he could distribute the ball efficiently to the Lions’ many great playmakers. One knock against Pavia is his height, as he is 5-foot-10, which is considered short in the QB world.
However, this offseason, the Lions brought in Drew Petzing to be their new offensive coordinator. Petzing spent the past couple of years with the Arizona Cardinals and, therefore, Kyler Murray. Murray is also a shorter passer, so Petzing could work well with Pavia’s height.
Not only could Pavia help the Lions, but the Lions could also help him. Ever since Dan Campbell took over as head coach, he has established a tough culture. Pavia has been known to have immature off-the-field antics, so the Lions’ culture could be what Pavia needs to succeed.
Overall, Pavia going to the Lions could be a win for both sides.
