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Ravens Sign Guard Vega Ioane to $24 M Deal.

5/1/2026

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Summary

Ravens Sign Ioane

The Baltimore Ravens signed guard Vega Ioane to a four-year deal on April 30, 2026.
The deal guarantees $24.2 million salary, a bonus over $14 million, a fifth-year option, and cites Ioane’s 32 Penn State starts at left guard with no sacks or penalties.
General Manager Eric DeCosta signed Ioane to improve protection after Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times last season, with Head Coach Jesse Minter to slot him at guard.

Summary

Ioane Prospect

Vega Ioane grew up in American Samoa, moved to Washington and called Penn State his home.
GM Eric DeCosta labeled Ioane a “red star” prospect because he meets the box for mentality and athleticism.
Coach Jesse Minter said Ioane’s reactive athleticism is essential to the Ravens’ cultural shift on the line.
Ioane said his goal is to earn his keep and prove he belongs with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

History

Historical Context

After the Chargers used the 5th-overall pick in the 1990 draft to select Samoan linebacker Junior Seau—signing a five-year, $910,000-per-year contract, starting a 13-season Hall-of-Fame career and seeing his number 55 retired in 2012, which shifted NFL scouting toward Pacific-Island talent—the Ravens signed Samoan guard Vega Ioane to a four-year, $24.2 million deal in 2024.

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Ravens Sign Ioane

The Baltimore Ravens signed guard Vega Ioane to a four-year deal on April 30, 2026.
The deal guarantees $24.2 million salary, a bonus over $14 million, a fifth-year option, and cites Ioane’s 32 Penn State starts at left guard with no sacks or penalties.
General Manager Eric DeCosta signed Ioane to improve protection after Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times last season, with Head Coach Jesse Minter to slot him at guard.

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