Jaire Alexander makes his first big decision as a member of the Baltimore Ravens

Veterans coming in and absorbing a number from a younger player on the team happens each and every year. What the circumstances are around those arrangements? Well that's on a case by case basis. Alexander either was given the number from linebacker Trenton Simpson, or Alexander may have goaded Simpson into a position change with some incentive.

The Ravens now hope that Alexander can return to his old form in a new environment in 2025. His play on the field is still strong, but it comes with the qualifier of "when he's been on the field". Too often Alexander has been on the sideline and inactive on game days, which led to his availability in free agency this summer in the first place. 

The good news for the Ravens is that the price point at which Alexander signed his contract mitigates most of the risk — which is a pleasant development for Baltimore. Now, Alexander gets a pleasant development of his own. He can suit up wearing his signature number for the Ravens and look to make some of his signature plays in the crowded AFC North. 

A healthy Alexander transforms Baltimore's coverage strategy and raises the expectations even higher than they already were entering this offseason. The Ravens will now see if their newest member can create more nostalgia via his play to match the nostalgia of seeing him in his old number in 2025.