The Baltimore Ravens have made a surprising roster move, waiving rookie quarterback Diego Pavia just days before training camp is set to kick off. The former Vanderbilt star, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist just last season, now finds himself searching for a new home in professional football.
Pavia, 24, went undrafted in April despite putting up monster numbers for the Commodores in 2025. He completed over 70% of his passes for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. That dual-threat ability earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and a shot with Baltimore as a free agent.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter had spoken highly of Pavia's work ethic, saying, “He’s showing up early every day and working really hard.” But the team ultimately decided to move on before giving him a chance to compete in camp. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens officially waived Pavia on Thursday.
So what’s next for the former Heisman finalist? While another NFL team could still scoop him up, the most concrete option appears to be north of the border. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League have held Pavia on their negotiation list for the past two years, giving them exclusive CFL rights to the quarterback.
TSN’s Coty Wiles highlighted the connection, noting that the Bombers already have three quarterbacks on their roster but could be in need of depth after veteran Zach Collaros landed on the six-game injured list. “Though the Bombers already have three other QBs, it’s worth mentioning Zach Collaros just hit the 6-game IL, as they were carrying four pivots before,” Wiles said.
Social media has been buzzing with speculation about Pavia’s next move. One fan wrote, “No surprise that the Ravens waived Diego Pavia today. He was just used as a body in camp. CFL?” Another added, “The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his exclusive rights in the CFL…. just saying.”
If Pavia does head to Canada, he’d join a growing list of former college stars trying to revive their careers in the CFL. The league has long been a proving ground for players who couldn’t quite stick in the NFL, and Pavia’s athleticism could make him a dangerous weapon north of the border.
For now, the quarterback is facing a wave of criticism on social media, but his college résumé suggests he has the talent to silence doubters. Whether that happens in the NFL or the CFL remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Diego Pavia’s football journey is far from over.
This situation echoes the recent trend of former college stars finding new paths after their NFL dreams hit a detour. Pavia may not have gotten a fair shot in Baltimore, but the CFL could offer the perfect stage for his next act.
