The Baltimore Ravens are set to sign quarterback Skylar Thompson, which can have a huge effect on Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter indicated that the team could be heading into training camp with three to five quarterbacks, and he meant every word of that. On Thursday, the team signed both Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and UConn passer Joe Fagnano.
Now, the team is reportedly bringing in veteran Skylar Thompson, who will now compete for a spot on the roster. What this means for Pavia is simple: he must now work harder to remain on the team.
It is not at all shocking that the Ravens have taken this course, as adding veteran talent is far more of an insurance policy than carrying two unproven UDFAs. That is not to say that Pavia and Fagnano do not have a chance to make the 53-man roster or practice squad, but their chances are now a bit lower.
Minter indicated what most NFL teams go through, which is to bring in as much competition as possible to see if there are some hidden gems within the UDFAs, or simply to make sure that all players on the roster elevate their game for competition purposes.
Thompson has been in the league since 2022, when he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round. Despite being a rookie, he would come in as relief for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, playing in seven games and starting two. In that time, he threw 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
In one of the most impressive showings of his career, he also nearly helped lead the Dolphins to defeat the Buffalo Bills in cold weather in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, as he threw 220 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Following the 2022 season, he would only appear in three games in 2023 and would eventually sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. He impressed in training camp, but ultimately did not play as Aaron Rodgers' backup.
Now, he has a chance to potentially land a substantial role behind Tyler Huntlety. There could even be a chance that he lands the backup position, though that would be a long shot given Huntley's command of the Baltimore offense.
Pavia was signed despite the controversies surrounding him, including a social media post that called out the voters for not being named the Heisman Trophy winner. There are also other "character concerns" such as his perceived arrogant and cocky attitude, which he has constantly chalked up to confidence.
Still, Minter indicated that he would join the Ravens team with a "clean slate," and he had every opportunity to show the team "what he has," but it could be that he could already be the odd man out.
It is always difficult for UDFAs to make the roster, as they are up against the drafted players, among many other factors. Baltimore did not draft a quarterback, but Pavia was already up against Fagnano.
Considering the fact that Minter has brought up the past troubles for Pavia twice, that could also be a big factor working against him.
Now, he must play better than the UConn prospect and Thompson. With the addition of the former Dolphins and Steelers signal caller, it appears the Ravens will be heading into 2026 with at least three quarterbacks.
That could very well be either Pavia, Fagnano, or Thompson. All three will battle it out through OTAs, training camp, and preseason to determine who may get the final quarterback spot.