Ravens Lock Up Penn State Guard Ioane to $24.2M Rookie Deal

Ioane, the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, inked the deal Thursday before the Ravens began their two-day rookie minicamp Friday. The contract follows the standard rookie wage scale structure with a four-year commitment plus a fifth-year team option, giving Baltimore considerable control over the guard's future should he perform as expected.

The Penn State product spent four seasons in State College, capping his collegiate career with a standout final year. In 2025, Ioane started 11 games at left guard, playing 614 total snaps split nearly evenly between run and pass protection. He allowed just four pressures while surrendering zero sacks and zero quarterback hits—a remarkable feat that earned him First-team All-Big Ten honors and second-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press. He was called for only one penalty the entire season.

"Vega is expected to step into the starting lineup as a rookie," the Ravens organization noted, signaling immediate confidence in the 21-year-old lineman's readiness. Ioane's primary responsibility will be protecting Jackson, whose mobility and arm strength have made the Ravens' offense one of the league's most dynamic threats. The quick resolution of contract negotiations suggests the organization views Ioane as a cornerstone piece for their offensive line.

The signing caps a busy draft weekend for Baltimore, which also inked several other draft picks including Matt Hibner, Elijah Sarratt, and Josh Cuevas to their respective rookie contracts. The efficiency in closing these deals reflects an organization eager to integrate its new talent and prepare for training camp.