Lamar Jackson has once again showcased his influence, and this time it’s not just with his play on the field; it’s with a significant offseason addition to the Ravens’ roster. The Baltimore Ravens recently announced the signing of former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, a move that Jackson himself seemingly championed.
The terms of the deal? A one-year contract worth $4 million, with $2 million available through incentives that reward Alexander for his participation on the field. These bonuses kick in as he hits various snap-count thresholds throughout the season. You can practically hear the excitement in head coach John Harbaugh’s voice as he welcomed Alexander, noting how the addition not only thrilled Jackson but also electrified the coaching staff.
Just a day prior to the announcement, Jackson made headlines asking for the Ravens’ general manager, Eric DeCosta, to bring in his former Louisville teammate from their shared days between 2015 and 2017. “Go get him, Eric,” Jackson declared, while expressing confidence in the current cornerbacks. His words clearly resonated, as the team moved swiftly to secure a player with Alexander’s skill set.
Bringing in Alexander is a substantial boost to a cornerback group that already boasts standout talent, including All-Pro Marlon Humphrey and rising star Nate Wiggins, the Ravens’ first-round pick for 2024. With veteran Chidobe Awuzie also in the fold after being signed this offseason, Baltimore’s secondary is shaping up to be formidable. If Alexander can stay healthy, the combination of him and Wiggins on the outside, with Humphrey expertly manning the slot, has the potential to be one of the more dynamic trios in the league.
Alexander’s journey to Baltimore has been far from straightforward. After seven seasons with the Packers, he found himself released amid ongoing concerns about his availability. Injuries hampered his performance over the last couple of years, limiting him to just 14 games in that span. He faced issues ranging from groin to knee injuries, even missing the final eight games of the 2024 season, including a Wild Card Round loss that brought the Packers’ hopes to an abrupt end.
Despite these challenges, the Ravens have managed to secure Alexander at a bargain price, rewarding their defensive unit with a player who, when healthy, can be an elite cover corner. Even if he doesn’t play every game, acquiring him for a maximum of $6 million represents savvy roster management from DeCosta and the front office.
Alexander’s arrival also opens up new possibilities for the Ravens’ defensive strategy. The offseason additions, including first-round safety Malaki Starks, are not only about adding playmakers; they’re about maximizing the talents of players like Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton, known for his versatility, now has the freedom to roam and create chaos on defense wherever he’s needed.
Ultimately, this deal could prove to be a game-changer for the Ravens. With Jackson’s endorsement and Alexander’s potential impact, Baltimore fans are champing at the bit to see how this defensive revamp pays dividends. If Jackson’s vision is realized on the field, they may just have one of the more formidable secondaries in the league this season.
