The news broke on Monday, June 9, 2025: the Green Bay Packers had officially released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander.1 This move, which had been speculated for months due to a combination of his hefty contract and recent injury history, sent shockwaves through the NFL. Immediately, the Baltimore Ravens emerged as a prime potential landing spot, and for good reason – the undeniable connection between Alexander and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, stemming from their dominant days at Louisville, makes this a narrative too compelling to ignore.
The relationship between Jaire Alexander and Lamar Jackson isn’t just a casual college friendship; it’s a brotherhood forged in the crucible of competitive football. From 2015 to 2017, they were the undisputed stars of the Louisville Cardinals, routinely battling each other in practice, pushing the limits of their respective crafts. Alexander, a fiery and athletic cornerback, relished the challenge of covering Jackson, whose electrifying playmaking ability made him a Heisman Trophy winner. Their competitive spirit was mutual, a constant push-and-pull that sharpened both their skills. The viral video of Alexander’s ecstatic reaction to Jackson’s selection by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, interrupting an interview to celebrate his “brother,” perfectly encapsulated the depth of their bond. They’ve maintained that connection, often reuniting during joint practices or even on the sideline during games, sharing jokes and reminiscing about their college days. This isn’t just about a familiar face; it’s about a deep understanding and trust that could pay dividends on the field.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defensive philosophy under John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Zach Orr has always emphasized building a strong secondary. They believe you can never have too many good cornerbacks, a sentiment echoed by their recent signings and draft picks. While they already boast Pro Bowl talent in Marlon Humphrey and a promising young player in Nate Wiggins, the addition of Jaire Alexander, when healthy, would elevate their secondary to an elite, potentially league-best unit.2
The prospect of Jaire Alexander in a Ravens uniform immediately paints a vivid picture of a revamped, even more formidable defense. When healthy, Alexander is arguably one of the top five cornerbacks in the NFL. His quickness, fluid hips, exceptional ball skills, and tenacious tackling make him a complete corner. He can play in press, off-man, or zone coverage, making him incredibly versatile for a defense that often employs a variety of schemes.
The Ravens’ current cornerback room, while talented, has had its share of challenges. Marlon Humphrey, a cornerstone of the defense, has dealt with injuries in recent seasons but remains a shutdown corner when on the field.3 Nate Wiggins, their 2024 first-round pick, showed immense promise as a rookie with his blazing speed and coverage ability, but he’s still developing.4 Chidobe Awuzie was signed this offseason on a one-year deal, offering a veteran presence, but Alexander represents a significant upgrade in top-end talent. T.J. Tampa Jr. and Malaki Starks are also listed on the depth chart, providing depth and potential.
Inserting Alexander into this group would create a truly frightening trio for opposing quarterbacks. Imagine: Humphrey locking down one side, Alexander another, and Wiggins’ speed covering the deep middle or matching up against slot receivers. This flexibility would allow Zach Orr to be even more creative with his blitz packages, knowing his corners can hold up in one-on-one situations. It would undoubtedly alleviate pressure on the pass rush, giving them more time to get to the quarterback.
Furthermore, Alexander’s fiery personality and competitive drive fit the Ravens’ defensive culture perfectly. He’s known for his trash talk and his ability to get inside receivers’ heads, traits that are often celebrated in Baltimore. He plays with an edge, and that edge is precisely what the Ravens defense thrives on.
Despite the obvious fit and the compelling personal connection with Lamar, signing Jaire Alexander is far from a done deal. The primary hurdle is his recent injury history and his previous contract demands.
Alexander has missed significant time over the past few seasons. In 2021, a shoulder injury limited him to just four regular-season games. While he bounced back with a Pro Bowl season in 2022, playing 16 games and recording five interceptions, his availability has been a concern since. In both 2023 and 2024, he played in just seven regular-season games each, battling various ailments including groin, back, shoulder, and knee issues. The Packers’ General Manager Brian Gutekunst explicitly stated that Alexander’s inability to stay on the field was a major factor in his release, noting that paying a significant amount for a player who “hasn’t been able to get on the field” was unsustainable.5 He even missed a game in 2023 due to a team suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, adding another layer of complexity.6
Before his release, Alexander was due a base salary of $16.15 million in 2025 as part of his four-year, $84 million extension.7 The Packers reportedly attempted to restructure his contract and even explored trade options, but Alexander was unwilling to take a pay cut.8 This suggests he still believes he’s worth top-tier cornerback money, a sentiment that might not align with a team looking to acquire a player with recent durability concerns.
The Ravens, while having around $19 million in effective cap space according to Over The Cap, are also a team that manages their cap meticulously. They’ve just signed several key players and have future extensions to consider. While Alexander was a post-June 1 cut, meaning his dead cap hit for the Packers is split over two years (saving Green Bay significant cap space in 2025), he will still command a decent salary.9 Baltimore would likely be looking for a team-friendly, incentive-laden deal, perhaps a one or two-year “prove it” contract. The question is whether Alexander, who was making $21 million per year on his previous deal, would be willing to accept such a significant pay cut. His reluctance to restructure with the Packers suggests he might not.
Another factor is Alexander’s age. At 28 years old (turning 29 in February 2026), he’s still in his prime, but the cumulative effect of his injuries could be a concern for a long-term investment. The Ravens value reliability and availability, especially at such a crucial position.
This is where the emotional and intangible aspects come into play. Lamar Jackson and Jaire Alexander are genuine friends. Jackson has publicly praised Alexander’s talent and expressed admiration for him. Could Lamar’s influence be a decisive factor in Alexander choosing Baltimore over other potential suitors? It’s entirely possible.
Players often prioritize winning, a good locker room, and playing with friends. The Ravens offer a perennial Super Bowl contender, a highly respected coaching staff, a strong team culture, and the chance to reunite with a close friend and former teammate. This could sway Alexander to accept a slightly lower offer than he might get elsewhere, or to be more amenable to a structure that protects the team if injuries recur. The opportunity to play alongside Lamar, to chase a Super Bowl together, might be incredibly appealing to Alexander, especially if he feels the need to prove his health and worth after his Green Bay exit.
The Baltimore Ravens signing Jaire Alexander is a tantalizing prospect. When healthy, he is a game-changing cornerback who would instantly make their already strong defense even more terrifying. The personal connection with Lamar Jackson adds a unique dimension that could certainly give the Ravens an edge in negotiations.
However, the significant caveat remains his injury history and his potential contract demands. The Ravens will need to perform a thorough medical evaluation and assess whether Alexander is willing to accept a contract that aligns with their financial philosophy and mitigates the risk of further injury.
Ultimately, whether the Ravens will sign Jaire Alexander depends on a complex interplay of factors. If Alexander is willing to bet on himself with a team-friendly, incentive-heavy deal, and if the Ravens’ medical staff is confident in his long-term health, then the “first glance” of Jaire in purple could very well become a reality. It’s a high-reward, high-risk proposition, but for a team built to win now, the potential upside of a healthy Jaire Alexander could be too tempting to pass up, especially with his “brother” Lamar Jackson already leading the charge. The NFL free agency market just got a lot more interesting for Ravens fans.
