A Move Sparked by the Quarterback’s Request
Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta responded directly to Lamar Jackson’s appeal. On Wednesday, the team confirmed it had signed cornerback Jaire Alexander, recently released by the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, the agreement is a one-year deal valued at $4 million, with an extra $2 million available through performance-based incentives. The bonuses are tied to snap counts, with $500,000 awarded at each threshold of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% of the team’s plays.
“He’s excited to be here. We’re excited to have him,” said head coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday. “It made Lamar happy. I think it made everybody happy.”
Jackson Advocates for Former College Teammate
The signing came just a day after Jackson publicly urged DeCosta to bring in his old Louisville teammate, whom he played alongside from 2015 to 2017. “Go get him, Eric,” Jackson said. “I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong. But go get him, Eric.”
Bolstering the Secondary
Alexander joins a defensive backfield that already features standout Marlon Humphrey, rookie first-rounder Nate Wiggins, and veteran Chidobe Awuzie, a new addition this offseason. His arrival adds experience and high-end coverage skills. If healthy, a combination of Alexander and Wiggins on the outside with Humphrey covering the slot could be a formidable setup.
Packers Move On After Injury-Plagued Seasons
Green Bay parted ways with Alexander last week after seven years with the franchise, amid ongoing uncertainty around his future role. While his talent has never been in doubt, injuries have disrupted his recent seasons.
Over the past two years, he’s played only 14 games due to various ailments affecting his groin, back, shoulder, and knee. He missed the last eight games of the 2024 season, including the playoff loss to Philadelphia. Faced with availability concerns, the Packers were unwilling to pay his $16.5 million base salary, and both sides failed to agree on a reduced deal.
A Strategic Steal for Baltimore
Now in Baltimore, Alexander is expected to strengthen an already aggressive defense. Securing him on a deal that could max out at $6 million is a bargain, especially if he contributes in even half the season.
This addition, along with first-round safety Malaki Starks, adds more firepower to the Ravens’ secondary. It also gives them the flexibility to use Kyle Hamilton in a more dynamic role, where his versatility is most effective.
Even if injuries limit Alexander again, the contract carries minimal risk. But if he stays healthy, the Ravens could end up with a major asset at a discount.
