The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant splash, signing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year contract reportedly worth between $4 million and $6 million with incentives. Described by some analysts as a potential “bombshell” or the “missing link” for a deep playoff run, Alexander’s arrival instantly injects elite talent into an already strong secondary.
Alexander, 28, joins the Ravens after seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks when healthy. Known for his tenacious man coverage, he boasts an impressive career track record that includes 70 pass breakups and 12 interceptions. His performance has consistently earned high marks from analysts when he’s on the field, peaking with a league-leading PFF coverage grade of 90.7 in 2020.
A Contender’s Choice: Jackson’s Influence and Turning Down More
Reports indicate that Alexander declined more lucrative offers from other teams to join the Ravens. A major factor in his decision was the opportunity to reunite with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, his former college teammate at Louisville. Jackson reportedly made a personal appeal to Alexander and publicly urged General Manager Eric DeCosta to “Go get him.” Alexander’s desire to play for a perennial Super Bowl contender with a winning culture, combined with his bond with Jackson, proved influential in bringing him to Baltimore.
Upon arriving at the Ravens’ minicamp practice shortly after signing, Alexander was quickly embraced by teammates, coaches, and even Owner Steve Bisciotti, who was in attendance. The excitement throughout the organization was palpable.
An Unprecedented Secondary
The addition of Alexander creates a potentially historic collection of talent in the Ravens’ defensive backfield. Baltimore now features an astonishing five former first-round draft picks in their secondary: Alexander, Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, and rookie Malaki Starks.
Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey was among the most vocal about the move, embracing the wealth of talent. “A quote that’s never been said and probably will never be said in NFL history is, ‘We got too many corners that can cover,'” Humphrey quipped. “I think that’s a great problem to have. Really excited for that addition. The options are endless. It’s going to be a fun secondary.”
Star safety Kyle Hamilton echoed the sentiment, calling Alexander a “great addition.” “He’s been one of the best in this league since he got in it,” Hamilton said. “To have anybody like that, no matter what position, especially as a DB, it’s super valuable.”
Alexander is expected to primarily play on the outside, potentially lining up opposite Wiggins, allowing Humphrey flexibility, perhaps including increased snaps in the slot.
Head Coach John Harbaugh expressed his enthusiasm, noting the signing had been “behind the scenes in the works for a little bit.” He added, “He wanted to be here, we wanted him here. It made Lamar happy. I think it made everybody happy.” Signing Alexander in June provides valuable time for him to get acclimated before training camp begins in late July.
Addressing the Injury Concern: A Proactive Plan
While Alexander’s talent is undeniable, his recent history includes significant injury concerns, having been limited to just seven games in each of the last two seasons. The Ravens are making his health a top priority.
Coach Harbaugh confirmed that the team’s medical and strength and conditioning staff will develop a specific plan designed to help both Alexander and recently acquired cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who has also dealt with injury woes, avoid being sidelined. This one-year, incentive-laden contract structure is seen as a smart, low-risk gamble that bets on Alexander returning to peak form and staying healthy.
Beyond the Secondary: Injury Updates and Training Camp Look Ahead
In other team news, rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. is recovering from a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out for the start of training camp. Harbaugh anticipates the third-round pick will make his practice debut “at some point in training camp.” Despite not yet practicing, Offensive Line Coach George Warhop praised Jones’ intelligence and engagement in meetings, noting he’s “very, very, very close to being really good pro players in that regard.”
The competition for starting guard spots continues, with veterans Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland vying for the left guard job. Harbaugh indicated that Vorhees and Daniel Faalele are currently leading the competition for the left and right guard spots, respectively, setting a “very high” standard for their play.
The Ravens’ 2025 training camp schedule was also announced. Rookies report on July 15, followed by veterans on July 22. The team will hold two joint practices: hosting the Indianapolis Colts on August 5 and visiting the Washington Commanders on August 21, both preceding their respective preseason games.
Overall, the addition of Jaire Alexander is a clear statement from the Baltimore Ravens, bolstering their defense with a proven playmaker and signaling their continued “all in” approach for a Super Bowl-or-bust 2025 season.
