Lamar Jackson is making his voice heard as the Baltimore Ravens explore their options in free agency. The charismatic quarterback is keen on bringing a familiar face to Baltimore — Jaire Alexander, who was recently released by the Green Bay Packers. Jackson’s enthusiasm for reuniting with his former Louisville teammate is clear, and he didn’t hesitate to encourage Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to make a move.
During a recent interview, Jackson was asked about Alexander, and his response was direct and enthusiastic: “Go get him, Eric. I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong. But go get him, Eric.” This kind of camaraderie speaks volumes not just about Jackson’s leadership style but also about his desire to strengthen the team ahead of the upcoming season. Jackson readily admitted that he reached out to the two-time Pro Bowler, though he’s uncertain how effective his recruiting efforts were. “Yeah, I hit him up, but you never know with Jaire,” Jackson noted, showcasing both his friendship with Alexander and the uncertainty that often comes with free agency decisions.
It’s worth noting that Alexander was selected seven years ago, with 31 players going off the board before Jackson. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s premier shutdown cornerbacks, earning a second-team All-Pro nod after an impressive 2022 season in which he recorded five interceptions. However, injuries have plagued Alexander recently, limiting him to just seven games in each of the last two seasons.
The Packers made the difficult decision to release him after the two sides failed to agree on a restructured contract. Alexander was set to earn $17.5 million this season, a hefty sum with no guaranteed money attached. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke highly of the impact Alexander had during his time with the team, stating, “In his seven seasons with the Packers, Jaire established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL at one of the game’s most challenging positions. His contributions to our organization were felt on the field, in the locker room and in our community, and he will be missed.”
For the Ravens, the cornerback position has been a focal point, especially considering their struggles against the pass last season, ranking just above the Jaguars in average passing yards allowed at 244.1 per game. Despite this, they managed to hold opposing quarterbacks to a middle-of-the-pack rating of 91.1. With Marlon Humphrey set to continue as a slot corner and last year’s first-round pick, Nate Wiggins, expected to start, the Ravens have some solid pieces in place. Adding Alexander to the mix could represent a significant upgrade, provided he can regain full health and recapture his elite form.
The next few days will be pivotal for Jackson, DeCosta, and the Ravens’ front office as they navigate the free agency landscape. Alexander’s addition could not only bolster the defense significantly but could also signal to the rest of the league that Baltimore is fully committed to elevating their game and making a serious playoff push.
