Lamar Jackson Gets His Wish: Ravens Land All-Pro CB Jaire Alexander on One-Year Deal
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant move to bolster their secondary, signing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year contract. The deal, reportedly worth a maximum of $6 million with incentives, comes just days after Alexander was released by the Green Bay Packers and notably fulfills a public plea from Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson, a close friend and former teammate of Alexander’s at the University of Louisville, openly urged Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to sign Alexander after the cornerback became available. Following Tuesday’s minicamp practice, Jackson’s message was clear: “Go get him, Eric.” Sources indicate Jackson had also personally reached out to Alexander. The reunion became official Wednesday, with the Ravens sharing social media posts of Jackson and Alexander celebrating the signing.
Reports suggest Alexander turned down more lucrative offers from other NFL teams to join the Ravens, prioritizing the opportunity to reunite with Jackson and compete for a championship in Baltimore.
A High-Reward Signing With Injury Questions
While Alexander, 28, has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks when healthy, earning All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2022, his availability has been a concern in recent seasons. Since the start of the 2021 season, he has played in only 34 of a possible 68 games, battling various injuries including knee, shoulder, back, and groin issues. He appeared in just 14 games combined over the last two seasons.
Alexander’s departure from Green Bay reportedly stemmed from contract disagreements. The Packers are said to have explored trading the former first-round pick (18th overall in 2018) prior to his release on June 9th. When trade talks didn’t materialize, Green Bay reportedly asked Alexander to take a pay cut from his scheduled $17.5 million salary (none of which was guaranteed), which he declined.
The Ravens are gambling that Alexander, who was a free agent for just over a week, can regain his consistent All-Pro form on a short-term deal that carries relatively low risk given its structure. If he can stay on the field, Baltimore could have secured a significant value acquisition.
Bolstering a Challenged Pass Defense
The addition of Alexander is a direct response to the Ravens’ struggles in pass defense last season, where they ranked 31st in the league, giving up 244.1 yards per game. Despite possessing significant talent in the secondary, including first-round picks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins at corner, and Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks at safety, the unit sought reinforcements.
Alexander is expected to line up on the outside opposite Nate Wiggins, with Humphrey likely shifting back to his effective role as the primary slot corner. This move also addresses a potential need at boundary cornerback opposite Wiggins, as the team had previously signed Chidobe Awuzie, but some felt another proven starter was still required.
Baltimore has been active in upgrading its defensive backfield this offseason, bringing in veteran coach Chuck Pagano as senior secondary coach and drafting safety Malaki Starks in the first round. Alexander’s signing caps off these efforts, giving the Ravens one of the deepest and most talented secondaries in the NFL on paper.
During his seven seasons with the Packers, Alexander accumulated 287 tackles, 12 interceptions (including 2 last season, one returned for a touchdown), and 70 passes defensed. Green Bay released a statement acknowledging Alexander’s impact on the team and community, highlighting his status as a premier player.
For the Ravens, already considered Super Bowl contenders, adding Alexander on a one-year, incentive-laden deal provides a high-upside play that could significantly strengthen their defense as they prepare for the upcoming season and navigate a competitive AFC North. It also prevents a potential rival, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, from acquiring the veteran corner. The biggest question mark remains Alexander’s ability to stay healthy and productive throughout the season.
