Former Packers CB Jaire Alexander signs one-year, $6 million deal with Ravens, choosing Baltimore to reunite with Lamar Jackson.

In one of the most talked-about free agency moves of the 2025 NFL offseason, former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has officially signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. While the deal itself is notable, the backstory is even more compelling: Alexander reportedly turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere in order to reunite with his former Louisville teammate, Ravens quarterback and NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

The move not only strengthens an already elite Baltimore secondary but also adds emotional and competitive fuel to a team that’s aiming for a Super Bowl run. For Alexander, it’s a bet on brotherhood, culture, and championship potential.

A Surprising Turn in Free Agency

Jaire Alexander’s name was among the most anticipated to hit the free-agent market this offseason. After seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers — two of which earned him Pro Bowl honors — the 28-year-old corner was released in early June as part of a cap-clearing move. His departure from Green Bay was somewhat expected, given recent injuries and the team’s shift toward younger, cheaper options in the secondary.

What wasn’t expected was Alexander’s choice to take a one-year deal significantly below his market value. Multiple league sources confirm that Alexander turned down multi-year offers from other contending teams that were worth upwards of $9–10 million annually. Instead, he chose a one-year, $6 million deal in Baltimore.

The reason? Lamar Jackson.

The Power of a Reunion

Alexander and Jackson formed a close bond during their time at the University of Louisville from 2015 to 2017. While Jackson dazzled as the Cardinals’ electrifying dual-threat quarterback, Alexander held things down on defense as a shutdown corner and special teams ace. Their shared leadership, locker room chemistry, and competitive fire helped fuel one of Louisville’s most successful runs in recent program history.

That chemistry never faded.

Sources close to both players say that Jackson personally reached out to Alexander as soon as the Packers released him, encouraging him to join the Ravens and chase a championship together.

“I told him, ‘We’ve got something special building here,’” Jackson reportedly told coaches, according to team insiders. “Let’s finish what we started.”

It’s a story of loyalty, brotherhood, and unfinished business. And it’s hard not to root for it.

Alexander’s Track Record and Upside

When healthy, Jaire Alexander is among the best cornerbacks in the NFL. A two-time Pro Bowler (2020 and 2022) and Second-Team All-Pro, he’s known for his elite man coverage skills, closing speed, and confident, physical style of play.

Over his career, Alexander has tallied:

• 242 total tackles
• 10 interceptions
• 66 passes defended
• A quarterback rating allowed of just 74.3 when targeted (since 2019)

But the caveat is durability. Alexander missed significant time in both 2022 and 2023 due to shoulder, back, and groin injuries. Last season, he appeared in only 7 games and faced a team-imposed suspension late in the year. These issues ultimately contributed to Green Bay’s decision to release him.

Still, at just 28 years old, Alexander believes he can return to form. The Ravens agree. A one-year “prove-it” deal allows both sides to assess value without long-term risk, and if Alexander plays at a high level, he’ll be in line for a much larger contract in 2026 — either from Baltimore or elsewhere.

How Alexander Fits in Baltimore

The Ravens’ defense is already one of the league’s most formidable. They led the NFL in points allowed (16.1 per game) in 2024 and boast a stacked secondary featuring:

• Marlon Humphrey (Pro Bowl corner)
• Kyle Hamilton (breakout safety)
• Brandon Stephens
• Rookie first-rounder Nate Wiggins

Alexander brings experience, swagger, and flexibility to this group. He’s expected to line up primarily outside, opposite Wiggins, allowing Humphrey to slide inside on nickel packages. This gives Baltimore an elite corner trio with high football IQ and physical tools to match up with any receiver group in the league.

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr will have the luxury of deploying more aggressive man coverage and creative blitz schemes with Alexander in the lineup.

“He gives us another lockdown guy,” Orr said in a statement. “This is a no-brainer move for a team chasing championships.”

What This Means for Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson may be the biggest winner of all. Not only does he get a boost on the other side of the ball, but he’s also seeing the Ravens organization respond to his leadership. Since signing a five-year, $260 million deal last offseason, Jackson has taken on a more vocal role — and the Alexander signing reflects his growing influence within the organization.

Teaming up with his former college teammate adds a layer of emotional fuel to Jackson’s 2025 campaign. After leading the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game last season and falling short, the MVP quarterback now has more reason than ever to go all-in for a Super Bowl run.

Green Bay’s Gamble

From the Packers’ perspective, Alexander’s departure was a difficult but calculated decision. The team saves significant cap space by releasing him and is looking to the future with a younger core on defense. However, fans are questioning whether letting a player of Alexander’s caliber walk — especially when he was willing to take less to go elsewhere — was the right move.

Green Bay’s secondary now features a group of relatively untested young corners. If they struggle, the decision to part ways with Alexander could haunt them in the 2025 season and beyond.

NFL Reactions and Media Buzz

The move has sparked considerable buzz across the NFL. Analysts are calling it one of the most emotional, meaningful free-agent signings in years — not because of the dollar amount, but because of the story.

On social media, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. NFL veterans have praised Alexander for valuing relationships and legacy over money. Ravens fans are excited about the team’s Super Bowl chances, and even some Packers fans have voiced support for Alexander’s decision.

“Can’t be mad at Jaire,” one fan wrote on X. “He gave us great years and now he’s chasing a ring with his brother.”

What Comes Next

With training camp approaching, Alexander will look to get fully healthy and compete for a starting role in a crowded secondary. The Ravens will monitor his workload carefully, but if he stays healthy, the upside is tremendous.

This is a low-risk, high-reward move for Baltimore — the kind of signing that could make the difference in a deep playoff run. And for Alexander, it’s a shot at redemption, reunion, and potentially a championship ring alongside one of his closest friends.

In today’s NFL, where contracts, business decisions, and team dynamics are often cutthroat, Jaire Alexander’s decision stands out as refreshingly human.

He bet on friendship over finance. He chose a team built on culture, trust, and elite competition. And he joins a roster that looks poised to challenge for a Super Bowl.

If the Ravens are hoisting the Lombardi Trophy next February, don’t be surprised if one of the most emotional images is Jaire Alexander and Lamar Jackson, side by side, celebrating a full-circle moment that began in Louisville nearly a decade ago.