Ravens waive rookie Diego Pavia to make room for Ethan Pocic

The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia on Thursday, according to ESPN's reporting, creating roster space to sign veteran center Ethan Pocic to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $4.5 million.

Pavia, signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in April, becomes the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years. His release comes one week before training camp, as rookies are scheduled to report Friday and veterans report next Tuesday.

At Vanderbilt, Pavia led the Commodores to a 10-3 record, the first season in school history with double-digit wins. He threw 29 touchdown passes and rushed for 10 more, finishing second among all FBS players with 334.8 total yards per game, per ESPN's reporting. He was named first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassman quarterback in college football.

Pavia finished runner-up to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza in December. After the vote, ESPN's reporting indicates, Pavia posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "F- ALL THE VOTERS" along with a thumbs-down emoji. He later apologized for the post.

Predraft evaluations cited concerns about Pavia's age (24), his lack of height (5-foot-10), and his decision-making off the field, per ESPN's reporting. The Ravens replace him at quarterback with a depth chart that now includes starter Lamar Jackson, veteran Tyler Huntley, and undrafted former UConn QB Joe Fagnano, according to ESPN's reporting.

Pocic's addition addresses a veteran center position, filling a roster slot as Baltimore prepares for training camp.