After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Diego Pavia has quickly become one of the most intriguing names on the market. The former Vanderbilt Commodores star, and 2025 Heisman runner-up, brings production, toughness, and confidence. What he doesn’t bring, at least in the eyes of some scouts, is prototypical size. Now, as he enters the NFL as an undrafted free agent, the question isn’t whether he’ll get a chance; it’s where he’ll get the best one. Here are three teams that make the most sense:

MORE: Complete 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks

1. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals stand out as a team that could benefit from adding competition and depth at quarterback. They have an older starter in Jacoby Brissett, and with a roster still in transition, Arizona is in a position where taking a chance on a high-upside player like Pavia makes sense.

Why it works:

• Opportunity to compete for a backup role
• Less pressure compared to win-now teams
• A system that could benefit from mobility and playmaking

Pavia’s style, improvisational, tough, and aggressive, could fit nicely in a developing offense.

2. New York Jets

The New York Jets are always a fascinating landing spot, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. Depth has been an issue, and bringing in a player like Pavia could inject energy into the room. Their current starter, Geno Smith, is not a long-term answer.

Why it makes sense:

• A chance to earn a role behind the starter
• A market that embraces underdog stories
• Potential to stick if he impresses in camp

If Pavia performs, New York is the kind of place where momentum can build quickly.

3. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans might be the most natural fit of the three. They do have a clear-cut starting QB after taking Cam Ward last season in the draft, but they have questions with quarterback depth.

Why it fits:

• Opportunity for reps in a developing offense
• A team that values toughness and grit—two of Pavia’s strengths
• A clearer path to making the roster compared to more crowded QB rooms

This could be the kind of situation where Pavia doesn’t just land—he sticks.

Final Thoughts

Pavia’s draft slide wasn’t about production; it was about projection. At just under 5’10”, he doesn’t fit the traditional mold. But the NFL has shown a growing willingness to embrace quarterbacks who can:

• Extend plays
• Create outside structure
• Compete at a high level regardless of size

That’s exactly what Pavia does. He didn’t get drafted, but that may end up being the best thing for him.

Now he gets to choose his opportunity. And if the Cardinals, Jets, or Titans are in the mix, one of them could end up landing one of the most motivated and overlooked players in football.

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