Diego Pavia is the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted in 12 years.
The former Vanderbilt quarterback received a rookie minicamp invite from the Baltimore Ravens, but he has the option to go to the CFL if things don’t work out in the NFL.
Which CFL Team Has Diego Pavia’s Rights?
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have Pavia’s rights.
Given his performances in college, Pavia would be a high-profile acquisition for the Blue Bombers if he doesn’t succeed in the NFL. His presence could significantly impact CFL odds.
Why Do the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Have Pavia on Their Negotiation List?
Each CFL team can have up to 45 players on their negotiation list. These players must be playing in another professional league or college, which means the CFL franchise has exclusive negotiating rights if the player opts to play in the league.
Winnipeg put Pavia on their negotiation list back in 2024 and could have an opportunity to sign the 24-year-old quarterback if he doesn’t land on the Ravens’ 90-man roster.
How Much NIL Money Did Pavia Get?
Pavia received $2 million for the 2025 college football season, according to reports.
It is a handsome sum, but plenty of college athletes landed larger NIL deals, with Arch Manning leading the way at around $5 million.
Why Did Pavia Have So Much Eligibility?
Pavia earned a sixth year of college eligibility due to a preliminary injunction. Through his lawyers, Pavia argued that his years with New Mexico Military Institute and New Mexico State should not count against his Division I clock.
The argument was based on the premise that the current regulations limited how much players could earn through NIL deals.
Following the verdict, the NCAA granted waivers to all players in similar positions, allowing them to retain an additional year of college eligibility.
Was Pavia Projected To Go in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Pavia was considered a potential Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. At 24 years old and very undersized for an NFL quarterback, teams passed on the opportunity to draft Pavia.
Ten quarterbacks were selected in the 2026 draft, including Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Carson Beck.
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