Diego Pavia’s Bold NFL Draft Decision: Why He Chose to Go Agentless

When former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia appeared on Jon Gruden’s QB Camp series ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, he made a bold declaration: he would represent himself.

"I’m representing myself," Pavia said. "I didn’t think it was fair that someone was gonna represent me and take five to 10 percent. . . . Ain’t nobody taking my money. I’ll tell you that."

Pavia’s decision came as a surprise, particularly given his status as the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014. Without an agent, he faced the challenge of navigating the draft process independently—from securing a roster spot to negotiating contract terms.

A skilled agent can be a game-changer for NFL prospects. They leverage industry connections, advocate aggressively for their clients, and may even help a player get drafted higher than projected. If undrafted, a good agent can advise on the best teams to target in free agency and negotiate favorable terms for undrafted free agent (UDFA) deals. The NFL’s maximum allowed agent fee is three percent—far below Pavia’s initial concern of five to 10 percent.

While Pavia may still land a spot on a 90-man roster without paying an agent, his decision to go agentless could have significant implications. Without professional representation, he risks missing opportunities to secure a better draft position or a more advantageous UDFA deal.

Experts suggest that even undrafted players benefit from having an agent to provide guidance, negotiate contracts, and connect with teams. Pavia’s choice to forgo representation may have been a calculated risk, but it also highlights the challenges of entering the NFL without expert advocacy.