The Baltimore Beatdown crew react to the Baltimore Ravens signing cornerback Jaire Alexander
On Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens signed cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year, $4 million deal. Below are the reactions from contributors of Baltimore Beatdown.
The weakest link of the Ravens’ defense was No. 3 cornerback. The addition of Alexander immediately strengthens it to one of their best units. The talent and skill from Alexander is among the NFL’s best. The concern is the health. He last played 16 games in 2022. Over the past two seasons, he’s played a total of 14 games.
But when on the field, Alexander is a contributor. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro.
What gives this move a high-tier boon is the value. The Ravens’ landing a potential star for $4 million, with accelerators up to a max value of $6 million is tremendous. According to reports, up to a dozen teams were interested in Alexander but he chose to play for a contender and on the same roster as his close friend and former Louisville Cardinals teammate, Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens’ secondary could be all first-round picks this season. They’re constructed to go and win it all. — Kyle Phoenix
Alexander had Ravens written all over him as soon as he was released earlier this month. The Ravens have a history of being a harbor for accomplished veterans who become available in the summer. This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Ravens, who now have a stacked secondary with great cornerback depth. If Alexander can stay relatively healthy, his All-Pro caliber talent can help the Ravens tremendously against high-octane passing attacks and elite quarterbacks. — Frank Platko
This move was written on the wall after Alexander was released from the Packers. The Ravens get another top-tier cornerback to go with Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie.
Health is the major concern with Alexander in recent years. When on the field, he has still performed at a high level, so this signing could be an absolute steal if Baltimore is able to get a healthier Alexander this season. With battles against Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen on the schedule, the Ravens need a strong secondary, and they have assembled perhaps the best one in the NFL. — Dustin Cox
It was only a couple years ago I was saying Jaire Alexander has surpassed Jalen Ramsey as the top corner in the NFL, and my personal favorite non-Raven corner.
Since then, the talent hasn’t dropped off one bit. He just hasn’t stayed healthy.
Now he’s in loaded corner room with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins, and can rotate with Chidobe Awuzie to stay fresh. — Zach Canter