Ravens Make Roster Move: Release Pavia Before Camp

Updated July 24, 2026 7 min read

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Ravens Waive Rookie QB Diego Pavia Ahead of 2026 Training Camp Roster Cut

TL;DR: The Baltimore Ravens released rookie quarterback Diego Pavia before the start of 2026 training camp to create roster space for veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Pavia, a former Heisman Trophy finalist, failed to secure a spot on the 53-man roster and will now look for opportunities elsewhere as NFL teams begin their preseason preparations.

Quick Answer

The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia ahead of the 2026 NFL training camp to clear a roster spot for the signing of veteran center/guard Ethan Pocic. Pavia, who gained national attention as a Heisman Trophy finalist, was unable to carve out a role on a Ravens roster that already features Lamar Jackson as the entrenched starter. The move is a standard roster adjustment as teams trim their squads ahead of preseason.

Why Did the Ravens Release Diego Pavia Before Camp?

The Ravens waived Diego Pavia primarily for roster flexibility. With training camp opening, Baltimore needed to free up space to sign veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic, a move that strengthens the team’s depth along the interior offensive line. Pavia’s release reflects the reality that roster spots are finite and teams must prioritize positions of immediate need.

Baltimore’s quarterback room is anchored by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, with the organization investing heavily in his long-term future. The Ravens also have other quarterbacks competing for backup roles, making it extremely difficult for an undrafted or late-round rookie like Pavia to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.

Who Is Diego Pavia?

Diego Pavia gained national recognition as a standout college quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist. His dynamic playmaking ability and leadership helped elevate his college program’s profile, earning him consideration among the nation’s top signal-callers. Despite his impressive collegiate résumé, the transition to the NFL proved challenging. Pavia entered the league as a rookie with the Ravens but faced an uphill battle from the start in a quarterback room dominated by an elite starter.

Who Is Ethan Pocic?

Ethan Pocic is a veteran NFL offensive lineman who has played center and guard at the professional level. Pocic brings experience and versatility to the Ravens’ offensive line, providing valuable depth behind the starters. His addition signals Baltimore’s commitment to protecting Lamar Jackson and maintaining a strong running game under offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system. Pocic’s familiarity with NFL schemes makes him a practical signing for a contending team entering camp with Super Bowl aspirations.

What This Means for the Ravens’ Roster Heading Into Training Camp

The release of Pavia and signing of Pocic is a clear indication that the Ravens are prioritizing roster balance and veteran experience. Training camp is when NFL teams begin narrowing their rosters, and moves like this are common across the league during the preseason period. Baltimore is focused on bolstering its offensive line depth to sustain success on both the ground and through the air.

For the Ravens’ quarterback room, Lamar Jackson remains the undisputed QB1. The backup competition will continue among the remaining quarterbacks on the roster, with the coaching staff evaluating each player’s performance throughout camp and the preseason games.

Ravens Quarterback Depth Chart After Pavia’s Release

Position	Player	Status
QB1	Lamar Jackson	Starter — locked in as franchise quarterback
QB2	Backup (TBD)	Camp competition ongoing
QB3	Practice Squad / Camp Arm	Subject to final roster decisions

How NFL Roster Waivers Work Ahead of Training Camp

When an NFL team waives a player, that player is placed on waivers for a set period (usually 24 to 48 hours). During this window, any of the other 31 NFL teams can claim the player off waivers by assuming the remainder of his contract. If no team claims the waived player, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.

For a rookie like Pavia, the waiver process could result in another team picking him up if there is interest in his skill set. Several teams across the league are evaluating quarterback depth and may see value in giving Pavia a chance to compete for a roster or practice squad spot.

The Ravens formally waive the player, removing him from the active roster.
The player enters the waiver claim period (24–48 hours).
If claimed, he joins the claiming team’s roster.
If unclaimed, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The player can sign with any team or join a practice squad.

Key Takeaways

The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia before the start of 2026 training camp.
The roster move was made to clear space for the signing of veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic.
Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist in college but was unable to earn a spot behind Lamar Jackson.
The move reflects the Ravens’ priority on offensive line depth as they prepare for a Super Bowl run.
Pavia will either be claimed by another team during the waiver period or become a free agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Baltimore Ravens waive Diego Pavia?

The Baltimore Ravens waived Diego Pavia to create a roster spot for the signing of veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Pavia, a rookie quarterback, was unable to secure a place on the roster behind starter Lamar Jackson, and the team prioritized adding experienced depth to its offensive line ahead of training camp.

Who is Diego Pavia?

Diego Pavia is a rookie quarterback who earned recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens but was waived before training camp began, as the team opted to use his roster spot on a veteran offensive lineman. Pavia will look to continue his NFL career with another organization.

What does this mean for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens?

The release of Pavia has no impact on Lamar Jackson’s role as the Ravens’ starting quarterback. Jackson remains the franchise cornerstone, and this roster adjustment is about depth at other positions. The Ravens are focused on protecting Jackson with better offensive line depth, which is why they signed Ethan Pocic.

Who is Ethan Pocic and why did the Ravens sign him?

Ethan Pocic is a veteran NFL offensive lineman capable of playing both center and guard. The Ravens signed him to add experienced interior offensive line depth heading into the 2026 season. His signing reflects Baltimore’s commitment to building a strong, resilient offensive line to support Lamar Jackson and the team’s balanced offensive attack.

Can another NFL team sign Diego Pavia after he was waived?

Yes. After being waived by the Ravens, Pavia will first go through the waiver claim period, during which any NFL team can claim him. If no team claims him, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any of the 32 NFL teams. His status as a Heisman finalist may generate interest from teams looking for quarterback depth or developmental prospects.

Is this a common move for NFL teams before training camp?

Yes, roster adjustments before training camp are extremely common across the NFL. Teams routinely waive players, sign veterans, and make trades to optimize their rosters. The preseason is a fluid period where teams are constantly evaluating talent and adjusting their 53-man rosters based on performance, injury, and strategic needs.

The Bottom Line

The Ravens’ decision to waive rookie quarterback Diego Pavia before 2026 training camp is a straightforward roster management move driven by the signing of veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Pavia, despite his impressive college credentials as a Heisman Trophy finalist, could not find a path to the roster behind Lamar Jackson. Baltimore continues to build around its franchise quarterback by reinforcing the offensive line, a strategy that has been central to the team’s sustained success. For Pavia, the next chapter of his NFL journey will depend on whether another team claims him off waivers or signs him as a free agent during the preseason. This type of roster churn is expected across the NFL as all 32 teams finalize their squads for the upcoming season.