The Ravens have made yet another big splash during free agency. One day after Lamar Jackson urged GM Eric DeCosta to “go get him,” Baltimore has signed star corner Jaire Alexander to a 1-year, $6 million deal. ESPN’s Mina Kimes praised the deal, writing that “CB2 was arguably the biggest question mark on their roster.” “Even if they don’t get a full season out of him this makes a ton of sense,” wrote Kimes.
Alexander Filling ‘Biggest Question Mark on Their Roster’
The Ravens secondary was the topic of much conversation last season, as they struggled mightily to begin the season. Baltimore’s star safety Kyle Hamilton sparked their turnaround in the second half of the year, alongside excellent slot corner Marlon Humphrey. But, entering the 2025 season, the Ravens knew they were going to be in need of a big name to fill in in the secondary. They lost talented safety Ar’Darius Washington to a torn Achilles during conditioning drills last month, likely keeping him out until November or December, according to head coach John Harbaugh. With Alexander now slotted into that second corner spot, the Ravens have filled “arguably the biggest question mark on their roster,” according to ESPN’s Mina Kimes.
Baltimore wasn’t necessarily hurting for corners, but head coach John Harbaugh insisted that they would “turn over every stone.” “I don’t look at it as an ‘or,’ Harbaugh said. “I look at it as an ‘and.’ Yes, we are happy with the guys we have, and I’m very confident those guys are all going to do well.” With second-year star Nate Wiggins and veterans Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie, the Ravens look like they have an embarrassment of riches in their defensive backfield heading into 2025.
Baltimore Getting a Bargain for 2-Time All-Pro
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that the 1-year deal is for just $6 million. That’s quite a bargain for a top-10 cornerback. But, there’s more at play than just his on-field ability, as Alexander has played just 14 total games over the past 2 seasons. Green Bay and Alexander were unable to find common ground on a contract extension this summer, ultimately leading to the team releasing him last Monday. Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy pointed to Alexander’s lack of availability as the main reason for the decision. “The reality is, for the last four years, about half the games he’s been able to play,” Murphy said. “We’re kind of used to it.”
There’s no question, though, that when he’s healthy, Alexander is among the elite at the position. According to PFF‘s John Kosko, Alexander’s “89.5 PFF coverage grade across the past three seasons is tied for second with Pat Surtain II,” meaning that he’s “capable of contending to be the best cornerback in the NFL.”
Alexander will be reuniting with his former college teammate Lamar Jackson, as the two both entered the league in 2018. Jackson told reporters on Tuesday that he had spoken to Alexander following the news of his release, making it clear he wanted a reunion. “I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong,” said Jackson. “But go get him, Eric.”
Ravens Fill ‘Biggest Question Mark on Their Roster’ With 2-Time All-Pro Corner