Baltimore Ravens: How does Jaire Alexander improve the secondary?

On Tuesday afternoon, quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke to the media publicly. When asked about whether the Baltimore Ravens should target his former college teammate, cornerback Jaire Alexander, he responded, “Go get him, Eric [DeCosta].”

Well sure enough, Baltimore got him.

Got him 😈 pic.twitter.com/2zCWbb344g

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 18, 2025

The deal reads one year worth up to $6 million, $2 million of the deal as incentives. With interest from a reported dozen others teams – many of who offered higher dollar amounts – Jaire chose Baltimore on a one year deal to reunite with his fellow Louisville alum.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Ravens flock,” Alexander shared just minutes after signing his deal with Baltimore.

Jaire checking in 😈 pic.twitter.com/hvfzmE18L0

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 18, 2025

However, at 28 years old and injuries sidelining him for the vast majority of his past two seasons, how much value does Alexander add to this Baltimore secondary? Does he make Baltimore a more legitimate Super Bowl threat?

How did things end for Jaire Alexander in Green Bay?

There is no denying that at a point in time, Jaire Alexander was one of the NFL’s best defensive backs. A first-round draft pick in 2018, Alexander joined the Green Bay Packers, where he enjoyed both personal and team success.

After two solid opening seasons, it was clear that he could contribute to winning football. Alexander was a key defensive contributor, Green Bay reaching the NFC Championship game in 2019 and 2020.

Alexander blossomed in 2020 when he became a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. After missing 13 games in 2021, he earned such status again in 2022, where he intercepted a career high five passes. It was one of the highest marks across the NFL.

After 2022, however, things got spotty. He’s played just seven games respectively in each of his last two seasons due to injury. Green Bay became skeptical of what he could still provide given the price tag. So, he was released with a year left on his $84 million rookie extension.

Now, he’s signed for just $4 million guaranteed with Baltimore.

How does Jaire Alexander fit the Ravens?

Given his injury history and recent release, it would be unreasonable to expect Alexander to fill a void as the top cornerback on a contender. However, his situation with Baltimore is perhaps his most ideal.

Last season, the Ravens began the year with one of the NFL’s worst secondaries.

Marlon Humphrey put together a career season with six interceptions and an All-Pro nod. Meanwhile, Kyle Hamilton once again asserted himself as one of the league’s best safeties. However, Baltimore’s secondary remained its glaring weakness.

Disappointments from Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, and Brandon Stephens had Baltimore searching for mid-season answers that didn’t really pan out. And entering 2025, none of those defensive backs are still with the team.

While the rapid progression from Ar’Darious Washington (out for most of 2025 with an Achilles tear) and rookie Nate Wiggins had Baltimore’s defense again at an elite level by the end of the regular season, change was clearly needed for more consistent success to come in 2025. After all, they finished the year 29th in the NFL in opponent QBR.

So, Baltimore signed Chidobe Awuzie, drafted Malaki Starks, and now have Alexander at their disposal, as well. With Starks and Hamilton back at safety and Humphrey in the slot, Wiggins and Alexander will take the primary coverage positions, as will Awuzie.

Entering 2025, Jaire Alexander has the potential to fill a major role for the Ravens. However, Baltimore is also keeping the opportunity open for others to fill his void if he once again misses significant time.

What can Jaire Alexander provide in 2025?

This is the golden question when it comes to every injury-prone veteran.  Because when healthy, there have been very few defensive backs who have been more prolific than Alexander.

Pro Football Focus is very high on the former Packer, who they’ve recently rated as the ninth-best cornerback entering 2025. Its statistical models also represent elite level play, as only Sauce Gardner has a higher grade than Alexander since 2022.

Next Gen Stats also still marvels at what Alexander has left in store. NGS statistics reports that since 2018, Alexander has forced a tight window on 31.9 percent of targets. It ranks as the fourth-highest mark in the league for defensive backs with a minimum of 250 targets. Also included on the top five are teammates Marlon Humphrey (2nd) and Chidobe Awuzie (5th).

Jaire Alexander has forced a tight window on 31.9% of his targets since 2018, the 4th-highest rate in the NFL (min. 250 targets).

Alexander joins a pair of Ravens CBs, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie, who also rank in the top five over that span.@Ravens | #RavensFlock https://t.co/OzNF9a6GdF pic.twitter.com/zzZx9kJ9LA

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) June 18, 2025

Even Pete Prisco of CBS Sports ranked Alexander 79th among all active NFL players this past week, and 10th among cornerbacks.

And in their recent rankings, PFF shared Alexander “is capable of contending to be the best cornerback in the NFL.” Though, they also addressed how his injuries are a glaring concern. And that still remains the worry with Alexander, and why the Packers decided to part ways.

Aside from missing the majority of every season but one since 2021, he’s hasn’t played a full year since 2019. The best ability, especially from a cornerback, is availability.

Yet, when he is on the field, he could still produce at an elite level. And for Baltimore to take the low risk of $4 million guaranteed for the possible reward of adding one of the top cornerbacks in the league makes complete sense.

People will sit here and say that because Jaire is injury prone and may not provide what he provided in Green Bay this move isn’t notable. That’s all wrong.

This is an incredible move by @Ravens #RavensFlock should be hyped that they secured one of the game’s best defensive… https://t.co/0LRwzk8rOt

— Chase Coburn (@coolsportskid) June 18, 2025