Mark Andrews talks about the 2026 NFL season and the importance of eye exams
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews previews the 2026 season while talking about DME awareness, regular eye exams, and partnership with Genentech as a paid spokesperson
Diego Pavia’s first NFL contract was for three years. In the end, it lasted less than three months.
The Baltimore Ravens waived quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Pavia from Vanderbilt prior to training camp, the team announced in a July 23 article. Baltimore originally signed Pavia, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, to a standard three-year contract in April.
Pavia, 24, will enter a 24-hour waiver period after the deal. All 31 other teams will be able to request waivers to sign Pavia to a three-year contract. If he clears waivers, he will become a free agent again and be free to sign with any team.
The Vanderbilt product was a high-flying addition to the Ravens roster in his first season as a pro. In addition to concerns about his 5-foot-10, 203-pound frame, Pavia had to compete for a role in a quarterback room in Baltimore that already has a solid starter in Lamar Jackson and a proven backup in Tyler Huntley.
Despite his height, Pavia finished second to 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in the Heisman Trophy. The former New Mexico State transfer made Vanderbilt an SEC contender during his time with the Commodores. In his final season, he led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record, the first 10-win season in history.
Pavia was scheduled to compete for the Ravens’ third-string quarterback spot in training camp against fellow UDFA rookie Joe Fagnano and fifth-year veteran Skylar Thompson. Instead, he will have to seek an NFL roster spot with another team.
At this year’s NFL Combine, Pavia was 5 feet, 10⅛ inches tall.
- semester: 3 years
- Total value: $3.1 million
- Annual average value (AAV): $1.03 million
- Deposit: $0
The Ravens signed Pavia to a three-year contract after he went undrafted. The contract was for three years, which is typical for UDFA contracts, and the total value of $3.1 million was comparable to that of former teammate and rookie UDFA Joe Fagnano.
Pavia’s contract could be transferred to another team with all details intact if he is claimed off waivers. If Pavia clears waivers, any team could offer him another contract.
Pavia is 24 years old entering the 2026 season. He is six months older than Patriots quarterback and 2025 MVP runner-up Drake Maye and more than a year and a half older than Raiders quarterback and 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
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