Ravens Waive Diego Pavia to Make Room for Veteran Center Ethan Pocic
The Baltimore Ravens have waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia in a roster move designed to create space for the official signing of veteran center Ethan Pocic ahead of the start of training camp. The decision reduces the Ravens’ quarterback depth while strengthening an offensive line that is expected to undergo significant changes entering the new NFL season.
Pavia joined the Ravens after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft despite an outstanding college career at Vanderbilt. He signed a three-year contract with Baltimore shortly after the draft and entered the offseason hoping to earn a place on the team’s final roster.
The 24-year-old quarterback attracted national attention during his final college season, leading Vanderbilt to one of the most successful campaigns in program history. He finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and was recognized as a First-Team All-American after accounting for 39 total touchdowns while throwing only eight interceptions. Despite those accomplishments, concerns about his size and draft evaluation led to him going undrafted.
After signing with Baltimore, Pavia participated in rookie minicamp and offseason workouts, competing for a reserve quarterback role behind franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens already had several quarterbacks on the roster, making competition for the final spots especially intense.
Ultimately, Baltimore decided to move on from Pavia as it finalized the addition of Ethan Pocic, an experienced offensive lineman expected to compete for the starting center position. The move reflects the team’s priority of strengthening its offensive line ahead of training camp. (ESPN)
Pocic brings nearly a decade of NFL experience to Baltimore. The former second-round draft pick has appeared in more than 100 NFL games and has started for both the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns. His versatility and experience make him an important addition for a Ravens team looking to replace key departures along the offensive line.
Although Pocic missed part of last season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, reports indicated that he has been medically cleared and is expected to participate fully in training camp. Baltimore believes his experience can provide stability and leadership in a position group undergoing transition.
For Pavia, the waiver does not necessarily mark the end of his NFL opportunities. If he clears waivers without being claimed by another team, he will become a free agent and will be eligible to sign with any NFL club. Teams seeking additional quarterback depth during training camp could view him as an attractive developmental prospect because of his college production and competitive style of play. (Reuters)
Pavia’s college journey made him one of the most intriguing quarterback stories in recent years. Before starring at Vanderbilt, he played at New Mexico Military Institute and New Mexico State, steadily working his way toward major college football. His perseverance and impressive performances earned him national recognition during his final collegiate season.
Despite being overlooked in the draft, many analysts believed Pavia possessed the leadership qualities and mobility needed to compete for an NFL opportunity. His signing with Baltimore provided that chance, even though it ultimately proved short-lived.
The Ravens, meanwhile, continue preparing for training camp with a focus on improving after an offseason that included several roster changes. Protecting Lamar Jackson remains one of the organization’s highest priorities, making the addition of an experienced center particularly valuable.
Head coach Jesse Minter and the Ravens’ coaching staff will use training camp to evaluate the offensive line competition, with Pocic expected to challenge for a starting role immediately. His experience could prove especially important as Baltimore seeks consistency in the middle of its offensive front. (Baltimore Beatdown)
The decision to waive Pavia also reflects the difficult choices NFL teams face during roster construction. Clubs are limited to 90 players during the offseason and must constantly balance positional needs while preparing for preseason competition.
Although Pavia’s time with the Ravens was brief, his strong college résumé is likely to keep him on the radar of other NFL organizations. Quarterbacks with his production and experience often receive additional opportunities as injuries and roster changes occur throughout training camp and the regular season.
For Baltimore, the immediate priority is integrating Pocic into the offensive line and ensuring the unit is ready to protect Jackson while opening running lanes for one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
As training camp begins, the Ravens believe the move strengthens one of the team’s most important position groups. For Diego Pavia, the next chapter of his football career may depend on another team recognizing the potential that made him one of college football’s most accomplished quarterbacks during the 2025 season. (ESPN)
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