Key Reasons The Baltimore Ravens Signed QB Diego Pavia
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter discussed why the franchise signed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Will the Heisman runner-up make the team in 2026?
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 29: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drops back to pass during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) Getty Images While Lamar Jackson is the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise quarterback, he missed four games last season and it’s imperative the Ravens have a quality backup option behind him. Baltimore bolstered its quarterback depth this past week beyond Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley by adding undrafted free agents in Connecticut’s Joey Fagnano and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.
The addition of Pavia is particularly intriguing. The 5-foot-10 Heisman finalist had an incredible 2025 season, throwing for 3,539 yards with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 70. 6% completion rate.
Pavia showcased his running prowess extensively, rushing for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns. Pavia’s elite play earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter Evaluates QB Diego Pavia Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter appeared on the NFL Network on Wednesday morning and spoke about adding Pavia to the quarterback room.
Minter, who was Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator in 2021 and is close friends with Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea, is well aware of Pavia’s time with the Commodores. “This guy was a force multiplier at Vanderbilt,” Minter said . “He came there at a time when they needed to get it going and Clark was building something.