Jaire Alexander Boosts Ravens’ Super Bowl Push

On a one-year,$4 million deal with up to $2 million in incentives, the Ravens signed former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time All-Pro selection in 2020 and 2022.

The Ravens’ Super Bowl Window is Now

Add to that a roster featuring stars like Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and a pair of dangerous tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, the Ravens have built a roster for a Super Bowl run.

The dynamic offense, led by Jackson, finished first in total rushing yards in 2024, powered by Derrick Henry, who finished second in rushing yards, and a physical, punishing offensive line. Paired with Jackson’s superstar status, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns while having the best passer rating in the league last season.

Baltimore’s offensive firepower doesn’t stop with Jackson and Henry. In his second season, Zay Flowers had over 1,000 receiving yards. Rashod Bateman was tied for ninth in touchdowns among wide receivers last season. Likely has been improved each year, stepping up as a dangerous receiving threat alongside Andrews, who leads the franchise in touchdowns.

Baltimore’s Defense Is Deep, Talented, and Rising

Although the Ravens’ defense struggled through the first 10 weeks of the 2024 NFL season, they stepped up in the second half. Baltimore’s run defense stood atop the league, surrendering the fewest opponent rushing yards in the league. This defense also finished second in sacks and placed inside the top 10 in both points allowed per game and total yards allowed per game.

Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey were named first-team All-Pros in 2024. It was Smith’s third career All-Pro selection and Humphrey’s second. Smith led the team in tackles, while Humphrey managed to lead the team in interceptions. 24-year-old Kyle Hamilton made first-team All-Pro in 2023, then earned a place on the second team in 2024.

Veteran Kyle Van Noy finished fourth in the NFL in sacks. Nnamdi Madubuike drew frequent double teams but remained one of the most reliable pass rushers on this team. He broke out the year before and continues to anchor the defensive line.

Second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins showed strong coverage skills as a rookie, allowing no touchdowns during the regular season and making plays on the ball.

Malaki Starks and Mike Green were added to Baltimore’s young talent. Starks, a first-round pick out of Georgia, stands out as a steal in this year’s draft. Mike Green, a second-round pick with first-round talent, dominated college football with 17 sacks.

Now, the Ravens have Jaire Alexander, a high-energy corner and one of the league’s best in man coverage when healthy.

Jaire Alexander Makes the Ravens Secondary Scary

In 15 games played in the 2020 season, Alexander allowed fewer than 400 receiving yards and just two touchdowns. Pro Football Focus graded Alexander as the NFL’s top cornerback that year. He has 12 career interceptions and brings physical, sticky coverage every time he’s on the field. His ability to lock down receivers makes him a great asset, especially when healthy.

Jaire Alexander steps up when the lights are bright. He locks down receivers and has caught three interceptions in just seven playoff games. His play in high-pressure moments proves his value on the biggest stage, which benefits Baltimore a lot.

Alexander brings swagger, grit, and a fearless attitude, a perfect match for Baltimore’s defensive identity. His arrival adds another star to what is now a loaded secondary.

Availability Is the X-Factor

Injuries have followed him throughout his career, and over the past two seasons, he has only played 14 games. Plenty of injuries have kept Alexander off the field including groin, back, shoulder, and knee issues have kept him off the field. At 28, he’s still in his athletic prime, and a fresh start could benefit him.

In Baltimore, he won’t have to carry the entire duty. The Ravens’ depth lets them swap corners regularly, so he stays fresh come playoff time. That system boosts his odds of staying upright and delivering his best games when the games carry the most weight.

This Move Could Push Baltimore to Glory

Baltimore designed this team to win now. In today’s league, teams need as many good defensive backs as possible. Just look at the Chiefs’ 2023 secondary or the Eagles’ 2024 group for proof. If healthy, Jaire Alexander gives the Ravens a missing piece to lock down receivers.

He adds a new gear against elite AFC passing attacks. That’s exactly what they need to get past Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and any other top quarterback.