Ravens clear roster space for Pocic as Pavia exits camp preparations

The Baltimore Ravens have waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia to create roster space for veteran centre Ethan Pocic, who officially signed his free agent contract on Thursday. The move comes as the club finalises its squad ahead of the 2026 season, with Pocic agreeing to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $4.5 million, according to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Pavia’s release leaves the Ravens with four quarterbacks on the roster: starter Lamar Jackson, veterans Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson, and undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano, a former UConn quarterback. The team is expected to carry only two quarterbacks on its final 53-man roster, a decision that concludes an 83-day tenure for Pavia, who originally signed as an undrafted free agent on 1 May.

Pavia entered the league as the first Heisman Trophy finalist in 12 years to go undrafted, having led Vanderbilt to a historic 10-3 record and the first 10-win season in school history. During his collegiate career, he set single-season records for wins, passing yards (3,539), and passing touchdowns (29), while ranking second in college football in total yards per game.

Despite these statistical achievements, which included first-team All-American honours and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Pavia faced predraft scrutiny regarding his physical stature and off-field conduct. Concerns centred on his age of 24, his height of 5-foot-10, and an Instagram post following his Heisman runner-up finish that included a thumbs-down emoji and a caption directed at voters, for which he later apologised.

The Ravens’ quarterbacks, rookies, and injured veteran players are scheduled to report to training camp on Friday. The club’s first full-team practice is set for Wednesday, marking the next phase in roster construction as the team navigates its depth chart ahead of the upcoming season.