Eric DeCosta has made a splash in Baltimore. The Ravens have officially agreed to terms with former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, a move that could bolster their secondary and enhance their defensive capabilities. This one-year deal is reportedly worth $4 million, with an additional $2 million available through performance-based incentives—specifically, bonuses tied to his playtime that kick in at various percentages of team snaps.
Head coach John Harbaugh shared the excitement during Wednesday’s press conference, noting, “He’s excited to be here. We’re excited to have him. It made Lamar happy. I think it made everybody happy.” His comments highlight how vital Alexander’s addition is not just on the field, but also in maintaining the chemistry within the team, particularly with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had pushed for the signing just the day before.
Jackson’s enthusiasm for reuniting with his former Louisville teammate showcased the kind of rapport that can benefit a team both in practice and on game days. His rallying cry, “Go get him, Eric,” underscored Jackson’s belief in Alexander’s potential to make a difference for the Ravens’ defense.
With Alexander joining a cornerback group that already features All-Pro Marlon Humphrey and promising rookie Nate Wiggins, along with veteran Chidobe Awuzie—who was also brought in this offseason—the Ravens look to have a formidable trio. If all goes well, this could create a dynamic secondary, combining Alexander’s sticky coverage skills with Humphrey’s seasoned play and Wiggins’ fresh talent.
However, the narrative around Alexander has to be approached with caution. After a seven-season stint in Green Bay, his release was primarily due to a rollercoaster of injuries that limited his availability on the field. With only 14 regular-season games played over the past two years—marred by ailments affecting his groin, back, shoulder, and knee—teams had to weigh his talent against concerns about sustainability. The Packers opted against paying a hefty $16.5 million in base salary when they couldn’t agree on a reduced contract.
Now, as he transitions to Baltimore, Alexander has the chance to prove his worth and potentially regain his status among the league’s elite cornerbacks. With the Ravens securing him for a maximum of $6 million—a substantially lower figure given his past Pro Bowl accolades—it could be a shrewd acquisition for a team looking to enhance its defense.
In addition to Alexander, the Ravens have made other key moves this offseason, such as drafting first-round safety Malaki Starks, who promises to inject further playmaking ability into their secondary. This influx of talent not only aims to solidify the Ravens’ defensive front but also gives young star Kyle Hamilton the flexibility to operate as a versatile defensive chess piece.
Even if Alexander faces challenges in staying healthy throughout the season, there’s no doubt that this deal has the potential to bear fruit for the Ravens. If he finds ways to stay on the field, the defensive transformation in Baltimore could be nothing short of significant, with Alexander playing a pivotal role in their 2024 campaign.
