The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary is slowly returning to form. After a horrendous start to the 2024 season, the unit locked down opposing offenses in the second half. Young star Nate Wiggins found his footing, Marlon Humphrey earned All-Pro honors, and Kyle Hamilton remained one of the league’s best defensive backs.
With the addition of rookie safety Malaki Starks and the development of Wiggins, Baltimore should have an elite secondary in 2025. However, they still need another sure thing at the boundary corner spot, and signing now-free agent Jaire Alexander is what the team needs.
Alexander trade rumors circulated all offseason, frequently landing with the Ravens in mock trades. The former Packer’s contract made it difficult to move him, but now that he’s on the free agent market, Eric DeCosta should jump at the opportunity.
Jaire Alexander feels like a Raven
The pairing of the Ravens and Alexander feels like a match made in heaven. Baltimore tends to capitalize on free agents and draft prospects who slip through the cracks, and an Alexander signing would be just that.
He would fit in perfectly with the cornerback room, slotting in at Baltimore’s second outside corner spot opposite of Wiggins, and he’d allow Humphrey to continue to put up All-Pro numbers in the slot where he’s been at his best. Throw in Hamilton and Starks, two versatile safeties, and Baltimore’s secondary would be loaded.
The 28-year-old still has the talent. The issue has been surrounding health over the past couple of seasons. Alexander played just seven games in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In 2021, he was out for 13 games. These injuries include a PCL tear and shoulder and back issues. The best ability is availability, and seeing Green Bay move on from the talented corner shouldn’t be a shock, especially with his hefty contract. However, now that he’s a free agent, Baltimore should pitch their case.
Sure, veteran corner Chidobe Awuzie is starting caliber, and second-year pro T.J. Tampa deserves a chance to see the field and prove himself, but as Baltimore looks to win their first Super Bowl in over 10 years, they should bring in the best man for the job. That would be Alexander, who, albeit often injured, has been an above-average corner since he entered the NFL in 2018.
Other teams will bid for Alexander’s services, and the price might become steep quickly. However, the Ravens have one of the best rosters in the league and are in Super Bowl contention each year. If Alexander is willing to take a slight pay cut in exchange for playing for a competitive team, then Baltimore has a strong chance to sign the two-time Pro Bowler. If they can get it done, the Ravens will again have a no-fly zone built in their secondary.
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