The 2026 NFL Draft delivered many surprises and life-changing moments for hundreds of prospects, but not for everyone. Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia went undrafted. The Vanderbilt QB was one of the most productive players in college football last season, yet teams stayed away.
Now, one day later, he has yet to even sign a UDFA contract with a team. While he accepted an invite to participate in the Baltimore Ravens’ upcoming rookie minicamp, there are real questions about whether he’ll get an opportunity with an NFL team.
This has ignited a new discussion about the alternative paths that he could take to become a pro. Among those options, the United Football League (UFL) has emerged as one of the most realistic landing spots.
How Much Money Could Diego Pavia Make in the UFL After Going Undrafted?
If Pavia chooses to join the United Football League, the financial structure is straightforward but very different from the NFL. Under the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement made in 2025, players earn a base salary of $6,400 per game.
Over a full 10-game regular season, that totals approximately $64,000 for the year. This figure is a steady increase from previous seasons and includes added benefits, such as extended healthcare coverage.
Compared to the NFL’s rookie minimum salary of around $885,000, the difference is stark. However, the UFL operates with a different purpose. It offers players a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment while keeping the door open for future NFL opportunities.
Interestingly, QBs in the UFL earn the same base salary as players at other positions. While some projections suggest Pavia could still land higher earnings through endorsements or special arrangements, the standard structure keeps salaries relatively uniform.
The idea of Pavia heading to the UFL has gained traction, especially after several NFL pundits urged him to consider the league. ESPN’s Pat McAfee pointed out that his “size, speed, style of play, and personality” were perfect for college but make him very risky for NFL teams.
“If it doesn’t work out, is he not the UFL QB Blueprint?” McAfee posted on X. “Recognizable name, can move, not scared to promote. UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands [out] there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL.. and for the Pavia show.”
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci made a similar argument.
“If I was Diego Pavia and still want to play football I would call the CFL and TheUFL immediately,” he wrote. “No better way to shut people up and show them you’re serious about playing. Just have to go play somewhere at this point. I could see him having similar career to Doug Flutie up north.”
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At 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, Pavia is very undersized — in the 1st percentile among QBs. Also, teams have pointed to his immaturity, partying, and rowdy family as red flags.
“His processing isn’t quite NFL-caliber, nor is his arm strength, and even his athleticism might not be as prevalent against NFL talent,” per Pavia’s PFSN 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.”
In 2025, Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 70.6% of his passes and leading the nation in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Score with a 94.8 QBi grade.
The next step now depends on how he chooses to approach his professional career. If Pavia embraces the UFL route, strong performances could quickly put him back on the NFL radar.
For now, the decision is about balancing short-term earnings with long-term potential, something the UFL model is specifically designed to offer.
