Rookie QB Pavia Cut by Ravens Before Season Starts

Updated July 24, 2026 7 min read

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Ravens Waive Rookie QB Diego Pavia Ahead of 2026 Training Camp

TL;DR: The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia on July 24, 2026, just days before the start of training camp. The roster move was made to clear a spot for veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Pavia, a former Heisman Trophy finalist, now enters a crowded free-agent market as he looks for a new opportunity in the NFL.

The Baltimore Ravens have waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia before the start of their 2026 training camp, according to reports from ESPN and the team’s official site. The move clears a roster spot for veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic, signaling Baltimore’s priorities heading into preseason preparations.

Quick Answer

The Baltimore Ravens cut rookie quarterback Diego Pavia ahead of the 2026 NFL training camp to make room for veteran interior offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Pavia, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt, had been competing for a depth role behind starter Lamar Jackson. The Ravens chose to invest the roster spot in offensive line help instead.

What Happened With Diego Pavia and the Ravens?

The Ravens officially waived Diego Pavia on Thursday, July 24, 2026, as part of a roster adjustment before the team reports to training camp. According to ESPN’s reporting, the corresponding roster move brought in Ethan Pocic, a veteran center and guard who adds depth and experience to Baltimore’s offensive line rotation.

Pavia joined the Ravens as an undrafted or late-round rookie following a standout college career that earned him Heisman Trophy finalist honors. Despite his college accolades, the quarterback faced a steep climb in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson remains entrenched as the franchise quarterback, and the backup roles on the depth chart were already spoken for.

Why Did the Ravens Release Pavia?

Lamar Jackson’s Firm Grip on the Starting Role

Any rookie quarterback joining Baltimore faces the reality that Lamar Jackson is one of the most dynamic and established starters in the NFL. With Jackson locked in as the unquestioned QB1, roster spots behind him carry more weight for specialists and veteran depth rather than developmental projects. The Ravens prioritized reinforcing their offensive line over carrying a third or fourth quarterback on the roster.

Roster Flexibility and the Pocic Addition

Ethan Pocic brings valuable versatility as a veteran who can play both center and guard. His addition gives Baltimore insurance along an offensive line that protects Jackson, which remains the franchise’s top offseason priority. According to league sources, the Ravens viewed Pocic as a more immediate contributor than carrying Pavia on the 53-man roster or through a practice squad spot.

Crowded Quarterback Room

Baltimore already had established options behind Jackson, and the coaching staff apparently saw less need for another developmental signal-caller. NFL teams routinely carry only two quarterbacks on the active roster during the regular season, making it extremely difficult for a third rookie QB to earn a spot, even one with Pavia’s college pedigree.

Who Is Diego Pavia?

Diego Pavia rose to national prominence during his college career, becoming one of the most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. After beginning his career at New Mexico State, Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt, where he helped revitalize the Commodores’ football program and earned recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Attribute	Details
Position	Quarterback
College	New Mexico State, Vanderbilt
Notable Honor	Heisman Trophy Finalist
NFL Team	Baltimore Ravens (waived July 24, 2026)
Play Style	Dual-threat, mobile quarterback

What Does This Mean for the Ravens’ 2026 Season?

Offensive Line Depth Improves

The addition of Ethan Pocic signals that Baltimore’s front office is focused on protecting Lamar Jackson and maintaining a strong running game. Pocic’s ability to play multiple interior line positions gives head coach John Harbaugh flexibility in case of injuries during the season. Research shows that offensive line injuries are among the most common and disruptive factors in NFL seasons, making this kind of depth essential.

Quarterback Depth Remains a Question

With Pavia gone, Baltimore will rely on its existing backup quarterbacks heading into the preseason. If Jackson were to miss time, the Ravens’ depth chart behind him will be tested. The team may monitor waiver wire claims and free-agent workouts during training camp to add quarterback insurance if needed.

Practice Squad Options

It remains possible that Pavia could return to Baltimore’s practice squad if he clears waivers and no other team claims him. Practice squads allow teams to retain developmental players without占用 an active roster spot, which could give Pavia a path back to the organization while he continues to develop his skills at the professional level.

What Are Diego Pavia’s Next Options?

Free Agency and Waiver Wire

Once Pavia clears waivers, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any NFL team. Given his Heisman finalist credentials and dynamic playing style, multiple teams in need of quarterback depth could express interest. Several franchises with young or injury-prone starters may view Pavia as a worthwhile investment for their practice squad or preseason roster.

The CFL and Alternative Leagues

If NFL opportunities do not materialize quickly, the Canadian Football League (CFL) and alternative football leagues such as the UFL could provide Pavia a chance to develop professionally and showcase his talents. Many NFL quarterbacks have used these leagues as a springboard to return to the league, including several recent success stories.

Key Takeaways

The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia on July 24, 2026, before the start of training camp.
The roster move was made to sign veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic, who adds interior line depth for the 2026 season.
Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt.
Lamar Jackson’s firm hold on the starting job and a crowded quarterback room made Pavia’s path to the 53-man roster extremely difficult.
Pavia can sign with another NFL team if he clears waivers, or potentially return to Baltimore’s practice squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Ravens waive Diego Pavia?

The Ravens waived Diego Pavia to clear a roster spot for veteran offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. Baltimore chose to prioritize offensive line depth over carrying an additional developmental quarterback behind starter Lamar Jackson.

Was Diego Pavia drafted by the Ravens?

Diego Pavia joined the Ravens organization as a rookie following the 2026 NFL Draft process. He was waived before ever appearing in a preseason or regular-season game for Baltimore.

What was Diego Pavia’s college career like?

Pavia played at both New Mexico State and Vanderbilt during his college career. He earned recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist, becoming one of the most celebrated dual-threat quarterbacks in recent college football history before entering the NFL.

Can another NFL team sign Diego Pavia after being waived?

Yes. After Pavia clears waivers, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any NFL team. Teams in need of quarterback depth or developmental prospects could pursue him as a low-risk addition to their roster or practice squad.

How does this affect the Ravens’ quarterback depth chart?

The Ravens’ depth chart behind Lamar Jackson now relies on their remaining backup quarterbacks. With Pavia’s departure, Baltimore may look to add quarterback insurance during training camp through free-agent signings or waiver claims.

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

Ethan Pocic is a veteran NFL offensive lineman who plays both center and guard. The Ravens signed him to add versatility and depth to their interior offensive line, which is critical for protecting Lamar Jackson and sustaining the team’s rushing attack.

The Bottom Line

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to waive rookie quarterback Diego Pavia ahead of the 2026 training camp reflects the harsh realities of NFL roster construction. Despite his impressive college credentials as a Heisman Trophy finalist, Pavia could not crack a quarterback room led by Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens determined that offensive line help from Ethan Pocic provided more immediate value. For Pavia, the waiver opens a new chapter. Whether he catches on with another NFL team, joins the Ravens’ practice squad, or takes a detour through an alternative league, his college pedigree ensures he will remain on scouts’ radar. Baltimore, meanwhile, heads into training camp with an upgraded offensive line and clear priorities: protect Lamar Jackson and win now.