We’re looking at the instant analysis of the Baltimore Ravens signing cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year, $4 million deal that could rise to $6 million
One day after making his wish known to the national and local media, the Baltimore Ravens listened to Lamar Jackson on Wednesday, signing former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. The addition of Alexander gives Baltimore one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL and reunites the two-time Pro Bowler with Jackson, a close friend and former teammate at Louisville.
Alexander, 28, played in just 34 of a possible 68 games since the start of the 2021 season and was scheduled to make $17.5 million this season, with none guaranteed. The Packers released the All-Pro cornerback on June 9 following two straight injury-filled seasons.
With the signing now official, here’s an instant analysis of the deal.
Ravens‘ secondary is deep
If the season kicked off today, the likely starting lineup would include Marlon Humphrey at the slot cornerback spot, Alexander and Nate Wiggins on the outside, with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks at the safety positions. It’s a starting secondary that mixes versatility and bravado, with youth at multiple positions, and two veterans, Alexander and Humphrey.
Alexander pushes several players back a step
The biggest loser from the signing is Chidobe Awuzie, who goes from a potential Day 1 starter to the fourth cornerback on the roster. Jalyn Armour-Davis now becomes a cut candidate, while the two sixth-round picks could spend their rookie seasons on the practice squad. T.J. Tampa was another player to watch, and he’ll fight for a spot in the rotation.
Compensation update
The one-year deal with Alexander is worth a maximum of $6 million, including $2 million in incentives, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s a one-year prove-it deal for Alexander, while keeping the Ravens’ salary cap flexibility.
Lamar Jackson’s got the juice
After Tuesday’s minicamp practice, Jackson made a televised plea to Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to sign Alexander, saying, “Go get him, Eric.”
“I love all of our corners,” Jackson said. “Don’t get me wrong, but go get him, Eric.”
Jackson really has the juice, or DeCosta was already working his magic when the MVP candidate revealed his plan to the media.
After Alexander signed his deal with Baltimore, the Ravens posted a video on social media where Jackson celebrated with Alexander by slapping hands and hugging him. Alexander and Jackson played at Louisville together from 2015 to 2017.
