Is CB Jaire Alexander someone the Ravens should target?

The Green Bay Packers’ decision to release Jaire Alexander has certainly sent ripples across the NFL, and the Baltimore Ravens immediately jump to mind as a potential landing spot. The undeniable connection between Alexander and Lamar Jackson, stemming from their Louisville days, adds an intriguing layer to this possibility. But beyond the emotional pull, is Jaire Alexander truly someone the Ravens should target? It’s a complex question with both compelling arguments for and against.

1. Elite Talent (When Healthy): Let’s start with the obvious. When Jaire Alexander is on the field and healthy, he is undeniably one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He possesses a rare combination of athleticism, instincts, and ball skills. His PFF coverage grades, especially in his dominant 2020 and 2022 seasons, are among the best in the league. He can lock down opposing receivers, disrupt timing, and generate turnovers. For a Ravens defense that thrives on strong secondary play, adding a healthy Alexander would be a game-changer, elevating an already good unit to truly elite status. He’s physical in coverage, a good tackler, and boasts a competitive fire that perfectly aligns with the Ravens’ defensive identity.

2. Immediate Impact and Veteran Presence: While Nate Wiggins showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, and Marlon Humphrey remains a Pro Bowl talent, the Ravens’ cornerback room could benefit from another established, top-tier veteran. Alexander, at 28 years old (turning 29 in February 2026), still has prime years left if he can stay on the field.¹ His experience covering elite receivers and his leadership could be invaluable for the younger corners on the roster.

3. Scheme Versatility: Alexander is adept at playing in various coverage schemes – press-man, off-man, and zone.² This versatility is a huge asset for the Ravens, who frequently rotate their defensive looks under coordinator Zach Orr. He can be deployed to shadow an opponent’s top receiver or fit seamlessly into complex zone schemes, allowing for greater defensive flexibility and exotic blitz packages.

4. The Lamar Jackson Connection: This is arguably the biggest intangible. The deep friendship and mutual respect between Alexander and Lamar Jackson cannot be overstated. Players often make decisions based on factors beyond just money and scheme, and playing with a close friend on a legitimate Super Bowl contender could be a significant draw for Alexander. Lamar’s presence might even convince Alexander to consider a more team-friendly contract structure. The chemistry they share off the field could translate to a more cohesive and motivated locker room. Lamar himself has publicly expressed his admiration for Alexander, and having him vouch for a player can go a long way within the organization.

5. “Never Enough Corners” Philosophy: The Ravens consistently adhere to the belief that you can never have too many good defensive backs. Injuries are rampant in the NFL, especially at cornerback. Having a deep and talented rotation is crucial for sustained success. Even with Humphrey and Wiggins, adding Alexander provides crucial depth and elite talent in case of further injuries to the starting duo.

6. Significant Injury History: This is the most glaring and critical concern. Alexander has missed a substantial amount of time over the past four seasons.

   • 2021: Missed 13 games with a shoulder injury.
   • 2023: Played only 7 regular-season games due to back and shoulder issues.
   • 2024: Played only 7 regular-season games due to quad and PCL injuries. The Green Bay Packers explicitly released him due to his inability to stay on the field, despite recognizing his elite talent. The best ability is availability, and Alexander’s recent track record is alarming. The Ravens would need to conduct an extremely thorough medical examination, and even then, there’s inherent risk.

7. Contract Demands vs. Reality: Alexander was unwilling to take a pay cut or restructure his hefty $84 million extension with the Packers, which led to his release.³ He was set to earn $16.15 million in base salary in 2025. While he’s now a free agent and will likely have to lower his asking price, he still believes he’s worth top-tier money. The Ravens currently have around $7-10 million in effective cap space for 2025 (depending on the source and specific calculations, some show closer to $18M total, but effective space for signing free agents is lower). They are a disciplined team with future extensions to consider, and they rarely overspend on players with significant injury concerns. They would likely offer a short-term, incentive-laden “prove it” deal. The question is whether Alexander would be willing to accept such a contract, especially if other teams offer more guaranteed money.

8. Potential Impact on Younger Players: While Alexander’s presence could mentor younger corners, it could also potentially impede the development of players like Nate Wiggins or T.J. Tampa Jr. The Ravens have invested significant draft capital in their secondary, and they’ll want to see those players develop into consistent starters. Bringing in an expensive veteran, even on a short-term deal, could signal less confidence in their internal growth, or at least reduce their snaps.

9. Off-Field Concerns (Minor): While not as significant as his injuries, Alexander was suspended for one game in 2023 for “conduct detrimental to the team” after appointing himself captain and participating in a coin toss without permission.⁴ This minor incident highlights a personality that, while competitive, can sometimes clash with team rules. The Ravens pride themselves on a disciplined culture, and while this was an isolated incident, it’s something to note.

10. Fit with Current CB Room: The Ravens currently have Marlon Humphrey (contract through 2026, with significant cap hits in 2025 and 2026), Nate Wiggins (on a rookie deal through 2027), and Chidobe Awuzie (signed for one year in 2025).⁵ Alexander would certainly be an upgrade over Awuzie’s 2024 PFF coverage grades (62.4 and 58.3). However, the Ravens may feel comfortable with the current combination and prioritize investing cap space elsewhere, such as along the defensive line or at offensive line depth.

Jaire Alexander is undoubtedly a tempting target for the Baltimore Ravens. The potential upside of pairing a healthy, Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins is immense, creating arguably the league’s most formidable secondary. The personal connection with Lamar Jackson is a significant wildcard that could sway Alexander towards Baltimore.

However, the Ravens’ front office, led by Eric DeCosta, is known for its fiscal responsibility and cautious approach, especially with players coming off significant injury concerns. They rarely sign players for top dollar unless they are confident in their availability and long-term impact.

1. Alexander’s Health: How confident is the Ravens’ medical staff in his ability to return to consistent, durable play? This is paramount.
2. Contractual Flexibility: Is Alexander willing to accept a contract that reflects his recent injury history – likely a short-term, incentive-laden deal with a manageable base salary? If he is holding out for anything close to his previous earnings, the Ravens will likely pass.

If Alexander is willing to bet on himself with a team-friendly “prove it” deal, say a one-year contract for $8-12 million with significant incentives, then the Ravens absolutely should target him aggressively. The upside is too high to ignore for a team in their Super Bowl window. He would be a missing piece for a potentially dominant defense.

However, if Alexander insists on a larger, more guaranteed contract, or if the medicals raise too many red flags, the Ravens would be wise to stick with their current strategy and rely on the development of their younger talents. It’s a classic high-reward, high-risk scenario, but for a team that prioritizes Super Bowl contention, the lure of a truly elite, albeit recently injured, talent like Jaire Alexander, especially one with a strong bond with their franchise quarterback, will undoubtedly be a topic of intense discussion in Owings Mills.