Ravens should explore adding CB Jaire Alexander, but there’s plenty to consider.

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.

The Ravens’ defensive scheme, which often relies on versatile defensive backs who can play man coverage and thrive in complex blitz packages, would seemingly be an ideal fit for Alexander’s skill set. Pairing him opposite a young, promising talent like Nate Wiggins, with Marlon Humphrey potentially shifting more into the slot where he’s often excelled, and supported by versatile safeties like Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, could create one of the most intimidating secondaries in the NFL.

Baltimore’s current cornerback depth chart (as per unofficial projections) lists Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie as top options. While Awuzie was a solid offseason signing on a one-year deal, Alexander is widely considered a more talented player. His addition would undoubtedly raise the ceiling of the Ravens’ pass defense, a unit that, despite its overall strength, has sometimes shown vulnerabilities against top-tier passing attacks.

The Elephants in the Room: Injuries and Cost

While Alexander’s talent is undeniable, his recent availability has been a significant concern and was the primary driver behind his release from Green Bay. He has missed a substantial amount of time over the past four seasons:

• 2021: Limited to just 4 regular-season games due to a shoulder injury.
• 2023: Played only 7 regular-season games due to shoulder and knee injuries, plus a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
• 2024: Appeared in just 7 regular-season games, primarily due to a PCL injury that required surgery and cost him 10 games.

In total, Alexander has missed 38 games in his seven-year career, playing in less than 32% of the Packers’ defensive snaps in three of the last four seasons. This extensive injury history is the biggest red flag for any team considering acquiring him. The “best ability is availability” adage rings particularly true for a position as physically demanding as cornerback.

Financially, Alexander was due a base salary of $16.15 million this season under the four-year, $84 million extension he signed in 2022, which briefly made him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. While he is now a free agent and would not command a trade package, his salary demands will be a major factor.

The Ravens’ 2025 salary cap situation, while not dire, isn’t flush with space. According to Spotrac, Baltimore has approximately $20.95 million in Top 51 Cap Space, and around $7.5 million in “effective cap space” (which accounts for roster fill-ups). Over the Cap lists their 2025 team cap space at approximately $18.9 million. While these figures suggest they could afford Alexander, signing him would require careful maneuvering, potentially involving contract extensions or restructures for other players (like Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, or even a future extension for Lamar Jackson, though he already signed a large one).

The fact that Alexander reportedly rejected a pay cut from Green Bay suggests he still values himself highly. The Ravens would need to gauge if Alexander is willing to sign a team-friendly, incentive-laden deal that reflects his recent injury history and the team’s cap constraints, or if he’s seeking a significant guaranteed salary. A short-term deal with high incentives might be the most palatable option for Baltimore, allowing them to mitigate risk while capitalizing on his healthy upside. A one-year deal, for instance, could also potentially net the Ravens a compensatory draft pick if he walks in free agency the following offseason.

Other Considerations for the Ravens

Beyond talent and cost, several other factors come into play:

• Lamar Jackson Connection: The pre-existing relationship with Lamar Jackson could be a significant draw for Alexander. Players often prioritize playing with friends or former teammates, especially those with whom they’ve shared early career experiences.
• Super Bowl Contention: The Ravens are firmly in their Super Bowl window. Adding a player of Alexander’s caliber, even with the injury risk, signals a “win-now” mentality. He could be the missing piece for a defense looking to dominate.
• Locker Room Fit: While the suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” in 2023 was an isolated incident, it’s something the Ravens’ leadership, known for its strong culture, would undoubtedly evaluate. However, Alexander has generally been viewed as a high-energy, passionate player.
• Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s Vision: First-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr has shown an aggressive approach. A player like Alexander, capable of holding up in man coverage, would give Orr tremendous flexibility in his play-calling, allowing him to unleash more blitzes and exotic pressures.
• Long-Term Strategy: The Ravens typically build through the draft and are judicious with big free-agent splashes, especially for aging or oft-injured players. However, they have made exceptions for key veterans to push for a championship. The question is whether Alexander fits this specific exception.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk Worth Exploring

The Baltimore Ravens should absolutely explore adding Jaire Alexander. The upside of acquiring a two-time All-Pro cornerback, even at this stage of his career and with his injury concerns, is immense. When he’s on the field, he’s a game-changer capable of locking down opposing receivers and creating turnovers.

The crucial element will be the contract. The Ravens should prioritize a deal that is heavily weighted towards incentives for playing time and performance, minimizing guaranteed money to protect themselves from his injury history. A short-term deal, perhaps one year with an option, seems like the most logical approach. They previously had interest in a trade, but preferred not to give up draft compensation – his release now makes the acquisition cost solely financial.

If Alexander is willing to accept a contract that reflects his recent availability, then the Ravens would be wise to make a strong push. The potential reward of adding an elite talent to an already stout defense, especially one with a connection to their franchise quarterback, could be the final piece needed to push Baltimore over the top. It’s a calculated risk, but one that could pay massive dividends for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Ravens’ front office will undoubtedly be weighing all these considerations very carefully as Alexander hits the open market.