Baltimore Ravens sign Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander after Green Bay Packers release

It’s a reunion of sorts for Alexander. He and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson were teammates at Louisville. Both were selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson publicly encouraged general manager Eric DeCosta to sign Alexander.

“Go get him, Eric,” Jackson said Tuesday. “I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong. But go get him, Eric.”

In Baltimore, we will likely line up opposite of second-year pro Nate Wiggins at outside corner. Marlon Humphrey will primarily play inside.

Jaire Alexander finds new home after release from Packers

With the Ravens in the middle of their Super Bowl window, signing a talented veteran such as Alexander makes sense. Alexander continues to play at a high level *when* he’s on the field. But staying on the field, has been his issue. He played in just four games in 2021, and seven in 2023. Alexander missed 10 more this past season, notably tearing the PCL in his right knee in Week 8. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in early January to relieve his pain and swelling.

Alexander was effective in the seven games he played in, recording 16 tackles (15 tackles solo), two interceptions, a pick-six and seven pass defenses. Alexander graded out as Pro Football Focus‘ No. 24 cornerback (75.2 overall grade).

Ultimately, Alexander was too injured and too expensive for Green Bay. Alexander had two years remaining on his current deal. Over the Cap indicated that Alexander had a 2025 cap number of $24.6 million, the third highest on the team behind quarterback Jordan Love ($29.7 million) and defensive end Rashan Gary ($25.8 million).

“In his seven seasons with the Packers, Jaire established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL at one of the game’s most challenging positions,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said. “His contributions to our organization were felt on the field, in the locker room and in our community, and he will be missed. We appreciate all he gave and we wish him all the best moving forward.”