- May 21, 2026
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After failing to win a chance at training camp to secure a spot as one of Lamar Jackson's backups, former Ravens quarterback Diego Pavia has entered the NFL's waiver system.
If unclaimed, what's next?
He could choose to wait for another NFL opportunity. Injuries could open a door for Pavia to participate in a training camp as an extra arm, which would in turn give him an opportunity to earn a 53-man roster spot or a position on a practice squad.
If there's no NFL interest, Pavia could go to the CFL. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his negotiating rights, and they've made it clear that they are interested.
The UFL apparently has interest, too — if the social-media team has its finger on the pulse of the league's priorities. The league retweeted the announcement of Pavia's waiver by the Ravens with the eyes emoji.
Then there's college football. While he doesn't fit within the NCAA’s new eligibility rule (he turned 20 the year before his four-year college career began), Pavia could try to sue for another season. He played two years of junior-college football before commencing a four-season NCAA career in four years.
With every NCAA rule currently subject to an antitrust challenge, Pavia could give it a shot. Of course, the fact that he signed a contract with the Ravens would make it harder. But he didn't get a signing bonus or a game check; at most, he received the standard per diem for his offseason work.
It doesn't hurt to try, and it wouldn't be ridiculously expensive (in theory) to hire a lawyer to file the paperwork and roll the dice.
Surely, someone would be interested. Pavia finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting. It's a path to getting more game experience — and to getting paid more than he'd receive in the CFL or the UFL.
If unclaimed, what's next?
He could choose to wait for another NFL opportunity. Injuries could open a door for Pavia to participate in a training camp as an extra arm, which would in turn give him an opportunity to earn a 53-man roster spot or a position on a practice squad.
If there's no NFL interest, Pavia could go to the CFL. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold his negotiating rights, and they've made it clear that they are interested.
The UFL apparently has interest, too — if the social-media team has its finger on the pulse of the league's priorities. The league retweeted the announcement of Pavia's waiver by the Ravens with the eyes emoji.
Then there's college football. While he doesn't fit within the NCAA’s new eligibility rule (he turned 20 the year before his four-year college career began), Pavia could try to sue for another season. He played two years of junior-college football before commencing a four-season NCAA career in four years.
With every NCAA rule currently subject to an antitrust challenge, Pavia could give it a shot. Of course, the fact that he signed a contract with the Ravens would make it harder. But he didn't get a signing bonus or a game check; at most, he received the standard per diem for his offseason work.
It doesn't hurt to try, and it wouldn't be ridiculously expensive (in theory) to hire a lawyer to file the paperwork and roll the dice.
Surely, someone would be interested. Pavia finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting. It's a path to getting more game experience — and to getting paid more than he'd receive in the CFL or the UFL.