Diego Pavia’s stay with the Baltimore Ravens didn’t last long. After signing the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt on May 1, the Ravens waived him 83 days later on Thursday, just one day before rookies were set to report to Baltimore’s training camp. 

Pavia was in the mix to compete for the third spot on Baltimore’s quarterback depth chart behind two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley. Pavia’s competition for that spot was 2022 seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson and 2026 undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano out of Connecticut. There’s a good chance the Ravens won’t carry more than Jackson and Huntley on the 53-man roster during the 2026 season, with the third quarterback spending most of their time on the team’s practice squad. Baltimore will likely divide up the majority of their preseason game reps between those two quarterbacks. 

The 2025 Heisman runner-up led the Commodores to their first 10-win season in school history while setting single-season school records for wins, passing yards (3,539) and passing touchdowns (29). He ranked second in college football in total yards per game (338.5) and tied for third in the sport in total touchdowns (39). Pavia’s 119 career total touchdowns and 88 career passing touchdowns both led college football since 2022. At his size (5-foot-10, 203 pounds), sticking around the NFL will be an uphill battle for the 24-year-old rookie. That’s especially true for NFL teams that could view him as not worth the time, given the potential distraction factor he brings. Pavia posted an expletive-filled image about the Heisman voters after he lost out on the award to Fernando Mendoza before eventually apologizing for doing so. 

So where could Pavia’s next landing spots be? Here are a few potential options. 

New York Jets

The New York Jets have one of the worst quarterback rooms in the entire NFL. Geno Smith, who will turn 36-years-old during the 2026 season, is likely to be the team’s Week 1 starter just a year removed from becoming the sixth quarterback since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to lead the league in both interceptions and sacks taken in the same season. Behind Smith are 2026 fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik and two veterans: Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.

The Jets are playing for the future in 2026, aiming to snag a franchise quarterback in the loaded 2027 NFL Draft. Why not give Pavia a turn to see if he can hang at the NFL level? There’s a good chance he can be a solid co-captain of New York’s tank brigade in 2026. 

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL 

Winnipeg has owned Pavia’s Canadian Football League negotiating rights since 2024, and they may be in a position to make good on those rights with the popular 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year this offseason. Regardless of physical stature, Pavia would immediately become one of the CFL’s most talented quarterbacks. 

The United Football League

Obviously, Pavia will look to secure some form of football employment for the fall, whether that’s an NFL practice squad or a spot in the CFL. However, the UFL in the spring of 2027 would make plenty of sense for him. It’s a chance to receive immediate playing time while suiting up alongside other players just on the fringe of making the NFL. This is where he’ll likely find the most talented teammates outside of the NFL itself. Plus, he’s a big name who could juice the UFL’s TV ratings. 

The world of podcasting and social media

If Pavia is unable to find a football landing spot for the fall, he could quickly navigate into the world of podcasting and social media. He has both a big personality and a sizable Instagram following of 112,000. Plus, he has relationships with comedian Theo Von and others in the entertainment industry. That could add up to a comfortable post-football life if Pavia feels his playing days are over. 

Jermain Defoe has left Woking just two weeks before the start of the new National League season after what he described as an “eye-opening experience” at the club.

Defoe was appointed by the Surrey side in March as a surprise replacement Neal Ardley, and guided the club to a 10th-place finish after winning two of his six matches in charge.

But just a fortnight before Woking were due to begin the new campaign against Sutton United, the former England striker’s abrupt departure was confirmed with immediate effect.

“Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position,” Defoe said in a post on social media.

“I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.

“My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career.”

Defoe oversaw a 1-0 friendly defeat to Braintree Town on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old scored 20 times in 57 international appearances for England and registered 162 times in the Premier League.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking, and we wish him every success in the future.” Woking said in a statement on the former Tottenham and West Ham forward.

“The club remains fully focused on delivering its objectives both on and off the pitch. We would like to thank our supporters for their continued support.”

Match Details

Fixture: (1) Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche

Date: July 24, 2026

Tournament: Estoril Open

Round: Quarterfinals

Venue: Clube de Tenis do Estoril, Cascais, Portugal

Category: ATP 250

Surface: Clay

Prize Money: €612,620

Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN+

Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche preview

Top seed Andrey Rublev will take on Luca Van Assche in the quarterfinals of the Estoril Open 2026.

Rublev received a bye into the second round, where he faced lucky loser Timofey Skatov. The Russian was in control of the match from start to finish. He conceded only one game in each set to register a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 victory.

Van Assche fought past home hope Federico Silva in three sets to reach the second round, where eighth seed Pablo Carreno Busta awaited him. The Frenchman captured the opening set courtesy of a break of serve in the fourth game, the only break in the entire set.

Carreno Busta initially led by a break in the second set but couldn’t hold on to his advantage for too long. Nevertheless, he snagged another break of serve in the 10th game to take the set.

Van Assche dealt the first blow in the third set to go 2-1 up, only for his older rival to immediately negate his upper hand in the next game. He raised his level after that and bagged the next four games on the trot for a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win.

Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche head-to-head

Rublev leads their rivalry 1-0. He won their previous meeting at the Citi DC Open 2024 in three sets.

Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche odds

(Odds via BetMGM)

Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche prediction

Rublev stormed to the title in Bastad last week and continued his winning ways with a dominant performance against Skatov. He improved his record for the season to 26-13 with the win, and to 16-5 on clay.

Van Assche was pushed to three sets yet again but wore down Carreno Busta in the end to reach his second quarterfinal at the ATP level this year. He has a 6-4 record on the main tour, and a 22-6 record at the Challenger level. He has won three titles on the Challenger tour this year, including one on clay.

Van Assche’s run is likely to end at this stage. He has a 0-10 career record against top 20 players. His last match against a top 20 opponent was against Rublev at the Citi DC Open a couple of years ago. While he managed to push Rublev to three sets back then, he might not be able to do so on this occasion on account of the Russian’s present form.

Pick: Andrey Rublev to win in straight sets.

Andrey Rublev vs Luca Van Assche betting tips

Tip 1: The match will have at least 18 games.

Tip 2: Rublev to win at least one set with a score of 6-3.