Sports
Detroit Lions Named as Landing Spot for Diego Pavia
July 24, 2026
Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site
The Detroit Lions have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for quarterback Diego Pavia, but don’t expect Brad Holmes to be making that call anytime soon.
>Following Pavia’s release by the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, USA TODAY Sports identified Detroit as one of several potential destinations for the former Vanderbilt standout. While it’s an interesting idea on paper, it simply doesn’t align with where the Lions currently stand at quarterback.
Why the Lions Were MentionedUSA TODAY Sports’ Nick Brinkerhoff suggested Detroit could make sense because the Lions have just Teddy Bridgewater and Luke Altmyer behind franchise quarterback Jared Goff.
>Brinkerhoff also pointed to Pavia’s gritty playing style, noting that his personality and competitiveness seem like a natural fit for Dan Campbell’s culture.
>It’s an understandable connection.
>Pavia built a reputation in college as one of football’s toughest competitors, finishing second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns at Vanderbilt.
Detroit Already Has Its Quarterback RoomWhile Pavia is an intriguing prospect, it’s difficult to see where he fits in Detroit.
>The Lions intentionally brought back Teddy Bridgewater to serve as Jared Goff’s veteran backup. Beyond being one of the NFL’s most respected quarterbacks, Bridgewater provides invaluable leadership and experience in one of the league’s best quarterback rooms.
>Behind him is rookie Luke Altmyer, a player Detroit clearly believes has developmental upside.
>Altmyer is expected to receive every opportunity to prove he belongs during training camp and the preseason.
>Adding another young quarterback would only take valuable practice reps away from a player the organization already invested in.
Detroit Doesn’t Need Another Developmental QuarterbackCould Pavia eventually develop into an NFL backup?
>Absolutely.
>But that’s not the question the Lions need to answer.
>Detroit is built to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026, and every roster decision should reflect that reality.
>If something were to happen to Jared Goff, the Lions already have a trusted veteran in Bridgewater ready to step in.
>Meanwhile, Altmyer represents the organization’s long-term developmental project.
>There’s simply no obvious roster spot for another young quarterback.
My TakeDiego Pavia is going to get another opportunity somewhere.
>His toughness, leadership, and college production make him an intriguing player worth developing.
>I just don’t believe that opportunity will come in Detroit.
>The Lions appear comfortable with their quarterback depth chart, and unless injuries force a change, I don’t see Brad Holmes disrupting a room that already features the perfect blend of experience and upside.
>Pavia may ultimately find a new NFL home.
>It just shouldn’t be with the Detroit Lions.
