The NFL landscape shifted significantly on Monday, June 9, 2025, when the Green Bay Packers officially released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. This decision, ending his seven-year tenure in Green Bay, immediately sent shockwaves across the league, prompting speculation about potential landing spots for one of the game’s most talented, albeit recently oft-injured, defensive backs. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team perpetually seeking to bolster its formidable defense, exploring the addition of Alexander is a compelling notion, but one that comes with a complex web of considerations.
The Ravens, known for their aggressive defensive philosophy and a penchant for acquiring high-impact players, certainly fit the mold of a team that would express interest. The connection is even stronger given that Alexander and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson were college teammates at Louisville, both selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. However, a potential union between the Ravens and Alexander involves a careful balancing act of talent, injury history, salary cap implications, and overall team fit.
The Allure of Jaire Alexander: Elite Talent When Healthy
When healthy and at his best, Jaire Alexander (now 28 years old) is a bona fide shutdown cornerback. His resume speaks for itself: two Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2022) and two Second-Team All-Pro nods (2020, 2022). He possesses exceptional athleticism, fluid hips, sticky coverage skills, and a competitive swagger that can elevate an entire secondary. Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades reflect his high performance when available, consistently earning a defensive grade of 71.9 or higher and a coverage grade of 73.0 or higher in each of his seven NFL seasons. His 91.1 PFF coverage grade in 2020, where he allowed fewer than 400 receiving yards and broke up 14 passes, showcased his elite capabilities.