The Baltimore Ravens, fueled by the electrifying talent of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, are leaving no stone unturned in their relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl title. After a season that saw them reach the AFC Championship game but fall short, General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh have signaled their “all-in” mentality by strategically bolstering their defense with another high-impact player: Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback and Jackson’s former college teammate from Louisville.
This move, confirmed by the Ravens on June 18, 2025, less than 24 hours after Lamar Jackson publicly urged the front office to “go get him,” is more than just a free-agent signing. It’s a testament to the influence of a franchise quarterback, a shrewd low-risk, high-reward gamble, and a clear indication of Baltimore’s unwavering commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around its offensive engine.
Lamar Jackson’s voice carries immense weight within the Ravens organization. His rare public appeal for Alexander, punctuated by a playful kneel and a direct message to Eric DeCosta, was not merely a casual suggestion; it was a powerful endorsement. The fact that the Ravens acted so swiftly and decisively on his informal “request” speaks volumes about the trust and collaborative relationship between the front office and their most important player. This “Lamar Effect,” as some pundits have termed it, has previously been cited as a factor in other key signings, demonstrating Jackson’s magnetic pull and the organization’s dedication to making him happy and putting him in the best position to succeed. It’s a win-win: Jackson gets to reunite with a close friend and a player he respects deeply, and the Ravens acquire a potential defensive superstar at a reasonable price.
Alexander’s signing is a one-year deal worth up to $6 million ($4 million base, with $2 million in incentives). This contract structure is quintessential Ravens: it mitigates the risk associated with Alexander’s recent injury history while providing substantial upside if he can return to his All-Pro form.
- Elite Talent When Healthy: When Jaire Alexander is on the field and fully healthy, he is one of the premier shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. His ability to play tight man coverage, his exceptional ball skills (12 interceptions and 70 passes defensed in 78 career games), and his infectious competitive swagger make him a game-wrecker. He was a two-time Second-Team All-Pro with the Packers, often tasked with shadowing the opponent’s best receiver. His presence immediately raises the ceiling of Baltimore’s secondary.
- Injury Concerns: The primary reason Alexander was available is his availability issues over the past two seasons, missing 20 games due to various injuries. This is the calculated risk. However, the Ravens’ medical and strength and conditioning staff are renowned for their ability to manage player health and maximize performance. Coach Harbaugh has already indicated the team has a plan in place to help Alexander and fellow new cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (another March acquisition with recent injury history) stay on the field.
- A Perfect Scheme Fit: The Ravens’ defense, under Coordinator Zach Orr and Head Coach John Harbaugh, thrives on versatility, aggression, and stingy pass coverage. Alexander’s skillset aligns perfectly with this philosophy. His ability to play man coverage allows the Ravens to be more creative with their blitz packages, bringing pressure from various angles, and freeing up their safeties to make plays closer to the line of scrimmage or in deep zones.
The Ravens’ defense was already considered one of the league’s best. In 2024, they finished among the league leaders in several key defensive categories. The addition of Alexander further strengthens a unit that aims to be historically dominant.
- A “Loaded Secondary”: As Marlon Humphrey, another Pro Bowl cornerback for the Ravens, quipped, “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.’1 I think that’s a great problem to have.” The Ravens now boast a secondary with a remarkable collection of talent:
- Marlon Humphrey: A veteran Pro Bowl corner known for his physical play and versatility.
- Kyle Hamilton: A rising superstar safety, who has already earned All-Pro honors, known for his unique blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability from multiple positions. The Ravens recently exercised his fifth-year option, demonstrating their long-term commitment.
- Nate Wiggins: A promising young corner who showcased flashes of brilliance in his rookie season and is expected to take a significant step forward.
- Chidobe Awuzie: Signed in March, Awuzie brings veteran experience and reliable coverage skills, further adding to the depth and competition.
- Malaki Starks: A first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Starks is a highly talented safety who provides additional versatility and youth to the defensive backfield.
- Jaire Alexander: When healthy, he’s a true No. 1 corner who can erase an entire side of the field. His presence creates an unparalleled level of depth and flexibility.
- Versatility and Matchup Prowess: The collective talent allows Zach Orr to deploy a wide array of coverages and match up effectively against any opposing offense. They can play more man-to-man, roll coverages, disguise looks, and bring pressure, all while trusting their corners to hold up. This strategic flexibility is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.
- Reinforcing the Pass Rush: A strong secondary directly benefits the pass rush. When cornerbacks can cover receivers for extended periods, it gives the defensive line more time to get to the quarterback. This synergistic relationship amplifies the effectiveness of both units. The Ravens also acquired a talented edge rusher in Mike Green in the 2025 NFL Draft, further strengthening their ability to pressure opposing QBs.
The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2025 offseason with high expectations. Their Super Bowl odds, even before the Alexander signing, were among the shortest in the league, often ranking second only to the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs. The addition of Jaire Alexander underscores their determination to get over the hump after falling short in the AFC Championship.
With a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson leading a dynamic offense (which also added veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and re-signed star running back Derrick Henry in the offseason), and a defense that is now arguably the deepest and most talented in the NFL, the Ravens have assembled a roster built for a Super Bowl run. The strategic acquisitions in the secondary, particularly the calculated risk and potential massive reward of Jaire Alexander, illustrate a clear “win-now” mentality.
The reunion of Jackson and Alexander is more than a feel-good story; it’s a strategic move designed to elevate the Ravens’ defense to an elite level, provide critical depth against inevitable injuries, and give Lamar Jackson the supporting cast needed to deliver the ultimate prize to Baltimore. The stage is set, the pieces are in place, and the pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy has intensified.
