Jaire Alexander considered joining the Ravens after considering two other teams. He considered his alternatives before making his decision.

Jaire Alexander’s decision to join the Baltimore Ravens in what was widely described as a “surprise” move wasn’t impulsive. The elite cornerback meticulously weighed his options, considering multiple alternatives before ultimately choosing to sign a one-year, $6 million deal (with a $4 million base and $2 million in incentives) that reportedly saw him turn down more lucrative offers from other teams. This calculated move speaks volumes about Alexander’s priorities beyond just maximizing his contract value.

Alexander’s availability on the free-agent market was itself a significant development. He had spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners, earning two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro recognition.¹ However, his tenure in Green Bay ended amidst a contentious relationship regarding his hefty contract and recent injury history. Alexander had two years remaining on a four-year, $84 million extension he signed in May 2022.² The Packers were seeking to restructure his deal, reportedly offering a pay cut. Alexander declined, leading to his release on June 9, 2025. This move immediately put one of the league’s most talented, albeit recently injury-prone, defensive backs on the open market, triggering a frenzy of interest.

Reports quickly emerged that “about a dozen teams” expressed interest in Alexander. While the full list of his suitors remains undisclosed, specific alternatives came to light, allowing us to understand the landscape of his decision-making process. The two most prominently mentioned teams that Alexander reportedly considered, besides the Ravens, were the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins.³ The Kansas City Chiefs were also noted to have shown interest.

Let’s delve into what each of these alternatives offered and why Alexander ultimately opted for Baltimore:

The Atlanta Falcons presented a compelling case for Alexander. They are a team in the NFC, a conference Alexander is familiar with from his time in Green Bay. Under new leadership and with significant offseason moves, the Falcons are clearly in a “win now” mode, particularly after signing Kirk Cousins at quarterback.

• Financial Incentive: It is highly probable that the Falcons were among the teams that offered Alexander more money than the Ravens’ $6 million deal. Given their cap space and aggressive approach in free agency, Atlanta could have easily presented a multi-year deal or a higher guaranteed sum to secure his services. For a player coming off injury issues and a release, a long-term, lucrative deal would provide financial security.
• Geographic Proximity: Atlanta is geographically closer to Alexander’s roots in the Southeast, potentially offering personal convenience and familiarity.
• Defensive Fit: The Falcons operate a defense that has sought to improve its secondary. Alexander’s skillset as a man-coverage specialist and a ballhawk would have immediately elevated their defensive backfield, providing a clear number-one corner. He would have been a central figure in their defensive scheme, tasked with shutting down opposing top receivers.
• Impact on Contention: While the Falcons are building, joining them would have made Alexander a key piece in their immediate push for the NFC South title and a playoff berth. He would have been seen as a critical addition to a team trying to establish itself as a true contender.

The Miami Dolphins represented another strong contender, offering a unique set of attractions. Like the Falcons, the Dolphins were reported to be among the teams Alexander considered and likely offered more money.

• Financial Incentive: Similar to Atlanta, Miami has been willing to spend to acquire talent and could have outbid the Ravens on a pure monetary basis.
• Competitive Team: The Dolphins are a perennial playoff contender in the AFC, boasting a high-octane offense led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. They operate in a competitive division, offering consistent high-stakes games.
• Climate and Lifestyle: Miami offers a desirable climate and lifestyle, which can be an attractive factor for many professional athletes.
• Defensive Coordinator: Miami’s defensive scheme under their coordinator (which changes over time but generally emphasizes speed and aggressive play) could have appealed to Alexander’s versatile skillset. He would have joined a talented secondary, potentially forming another elite duo alongside players like Jalen Ramsey (depending on his status).

Despite potentially lower financial offers, Jaire Alexander ultimately chose the Baltimore Ravens. This decision underscores that for a player like Alexander, particularly at this juncture of his career, other factors held greater weight.

1. Reunion with Lamar Jackson: This was arguably the most significant factor. Alexander and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson were college teammates at Louisville.⁴ They share a deep friendship and mutual respect. Jackson, who has immense sway within the Ravens organization, reportedly “publicly urged the team to sign him” and directly lobbied General Manager Eric DeCosta. The Ravens even posted a video of Jackson enthusiastically greeting Alexander after he signed. This personal connection and the opportunity to reunite with a former teammate and superstar quarterback in a winning environment was a powerful draw that money couldn’t buy. Alexander “turned down more money from elsewhere to reunite with Jackson in Baltimore.”

2. Championship Contention: Alexander’s decision to take a one-year, $6 million deal (reportedly less than other offers) signals a strong desire to win a Super Bowl. The Ravens are consistently among the AFC’s elite, having secured multiple AFC North titles and making deep playoff runs.⁵ They have a stout defense and an MVP quarterback. For Alexander, who has yet to reach a Super Bowl, joining a team with legitimate championship aspirations was a paramount consideration. Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun reported that “one of the things he was looking for was playing for a contender.”

3. Defensive Scheme and Fit: The Ravens run a complex, aggressive, and highly respected defensive scheme under Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr. This defense consistently ranks among the league’s best. Alexander’s versatility, ability to play both man and zone, and his high football IQ make him a perfect fit. He joins an already talented secondary featuring All-Pro Marlon Humphrey, promising young corner Nate Wiggins (a 2024 first-rounder), and veteran Chidobe Awuzie (signed this offseason).⁶ This allows the Ravens “endless” options in their secondary, potentially freeing up players like Humphrey to play more in the slot, and providing a formidable group to match up against elite receiving corps. For Alexander, it means playing alongside other top talents, which can elevate his own performance and reduce the burden on him to be the sole lockdown corner.

4. “Career Rebirth” and Proving Ground: Alexander’s recent seasons have been hampered by injuries. He played in just 14 total regular-season games over the past two campaigns (2023 and 2024) due to a litany of issues, including his groin, back, shoulder, and knee.⁷ His one-year “prove it” deal with the Ravens, with incentives tied to playing time (e.g., $500,000 each for hitting 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% of team snaps), suggests he’s prioritizing proving his health and elite form. The Ravens offer a perfect stage for a “career rebirth,” as described by NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. If Alexander stays healthy and performs at his All-Pro level, he’ll set himself up for a massive, long-term deal in 2026. The low-risk, high-reward nature of the deal for the Ravens is a strategic masterstroke, and for Alexander, it’s a calculated gamble on himself.

5. Organizational Stability and Culture: The Ravens are known for their stable front office, consistent coaching, and strong team culture. Veteran players often thrive in Baltimore, finding an environment that values professionalism, hard work, and a unified pursuit of victory. This stability might have been a subtle but important factor for Alexander after a somewhat tumultuous end to his tenure in Green Bay.

In conclusion, Jaire Alexander’s decision to join the Baltimore Ravens was a deliberate and strategic one, shaped by a hierarchy of priorities that placed reunion with Lamar Jackson, immediate Super Bowl contention, and the opportunity for a career resurgence above purely financial considerations. By evaluating alternatives like the Falcons and Dolphins, he weighed the benefits of more money and potentially different team structures. His ultimate choice to embrace the “win now” mentality and the strong camaraderie of the Ravens, even at a lower price point, underscores his fierce competitiveness and his determination to chase a championship. The “big shocker” was not just that he left Green Bay, but where he landed and the clear motivations behind his calculated jump to Baltimore.