With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia made headlines by seemingly refusing to hire an agent because he didn’t want to pay a commission. His viral quote prompted a lot of conversations around the league, questioning if this was the right move.
NFL World Criticizes QB Diego Pavia for Miscontrued Agent Comment
UPDATE: Pavia has, in fact, hired an agent. His representative Malki Kawa chimed in to clarify Pavia’s comments and make it clear that he does have someone guiding him throughout the pre-draft process: “Please stop the stupidity. He didn’t have an NIL AGENT. I am his agent for the nfl 🤦🏻♂️😂”.
Agents are often criticized for exploiting their clients, especially in the modern landscape, where many college and pro athletes make millions every year.
“I didn’t think it was fair that someone was going to represent me and take 5-10%,” he told Jon Gruden. “Ain’t nobody taking my money.”
However, Kawa has clarified that he was simply talking about representing himself during NIL negotiations, not during the pre-draft process. Prior to this clarification, many NFL analysts and pro analysts pointed out that an agent can help Pavia and that they don’t take more than 3% of your NFL contract.
“This is dumb,” Joshua Grady of Grady Sports tweeted. “Clearly he doesn’t know how things work because the max an agent can charge is 3%. He is someone who may go UDFA. A good agent could help him A LOT.”
“Brother there is no agent taking 10% of your contract,” quarterback coach Quincy Avery posted.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson famously represented himself during his 2023 contract negotiations, securing a $260 million deal.
“It would seem Diego Pavia is exactly the type of player who could benefit greatly from having a capable NFL agent,” former ESPN writer Joe Schad wrote.
“Well, it wouldn’t be fair if an agent took 5-10% …since the maximum an NFL agent can charge is 3% and most don’t charge that,” Denver Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright said. “Hire an agent. Your time is more valuable than that money.”
While agents cover a lot of financial admin for players, their real value lies in their networks. Because Pavia is currently projected to go undrafted, he’ll likely need an agent with a strong network to secure him a solid contract somewhere.
“NFL max is 3% and negotiable down,” former Super Bowl champion Lawrence Tynes tweeted. “No such thing as anything above this in the NFL. These young men are scarred by the unregulated NIL world agents 10-20%.”
“He is traumatized by the bs agent fees these agents are doing to the college kids,” former NFL wideout Torrey Smith posted. “Highway robbery! Don’t be mad at me though. I’m for the kids.”
It’s good to hear that Pavia’s comment was taken out of context and that he has, in fact, hired an agent.
