Blue Bombers' CFL negotiation rights to Pavia in focus after he goes undrafted in NFL

The future of former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is a hot topic after he went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pavia, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, didn't immediately sign with any team as a college free agent after going unselected in the NFL draft. However, he has accepted an invitation to the Baltimore Ravens' minicamp, which doesn't guarantee him a contract. The tryout will take place May 1-3.

Another possibility would be the Canadian Football League, where Pavia would presumably be a hotter commodity. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have held Pavia's exclusive CFL rights since 2024.

Each CFL team manages a negotiation list featuring up to 45 players who are unsigned, playing in a professional football league, or playing in college. Those teams hold exclusive negotiating rights if a player on their list decides to join the league. Negotiation lists can be altered at any time.

Pavia's agent declined to comment to when asked by 3DownNation whether the Blue Bombers have been in contact with him. CFL opens rookie camps May 6.

Pavia, 24, became a highly successful but polarizing quarterback during his stint at Vanderbilt. The 5-foot-10 quarterback led the SEC with 29 touchdown passes in 2025. He also completed 70.6% of his passes while scoring 10 TDs on the ground.

Pavia finished second in the race for the Heisman Trophy this past season behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Pavia is the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted in the NFL since 2014.