When Duke University went through a head coaching transition in 2024, veteran defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles saw an opportunity for a fresh start and entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in search of a new destination for his final year of eligibility. That search led him to Virginia Tech, where he found an ideal fit. Peebles cited the strong sense of community and passionate fan support in Blacksburg as major factors in his decision.
Once with the Hokies, Peebles quickly proved his value on the field. Logging 516 snaps, he made his presence felt by recording 31 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He also broke up three passes and defended three others. Perhaps most impressively, Peebles led all Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) defensive tackles with 35 quarterback pressures — a stat that also ranked him among the top five nationally at his position. His consistent impact was reflected in the high performance grades he earned from Pro Football Focus throughout the 2024 season.
Peebles’s football pedigree runs deep. His grandfather, Doug Wilkerson, was a standout offensive lineman and a first-round selection in the 1970 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Wilkerson went on to have a distinguished career, ultimately earning a place in the Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame. That legacy no doubt inspired Peebles as he carved out his own path to the professional ranks.
Continuing his family’s NFL lineage, Peebles was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 210th overall pick. This week, he officially signed his rookie contract, and the details — reported by Sportrac — illustrate the team’s investment in him.
Peebles’s four-year rookie deal is valued at $4,374,280, including a fully guaranteed signing bonus of $174,280. His base salary for the 2025 season will be $840,000, with scheduled increases in subsequent years: $1,005,000 in 2026, $1,120,000 in 2027, and $1,235,000 in 2028.
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta offered insight into what made Peebles an attractive draft target.
“We were really impressed by his burst off the line,” DeCosta said. “While he might be considered a bit undersized for the position, he’s incredibly quick and disruptive. He’s the type of high-motor player who can collapse the pocket on passing downs. We see him thriving as a third-down specialist who flies to the football and makes impact plays.”
With an NFL contract signed and his professional journey officially underway, Aeneas Peebles has taken the next step in building a football legacy of his own — one rooted in grit, production, and a tireless pursuit of improvement.
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