The Baltimore Ravens made the first move in what should be a flurry of moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline this week. They parted ways with offseason signing cornerback Jaire Alexander, trading him and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
The deal comes nine weeks into Alexander’s disappointing run in Baltimore. He suited up for just two games with the team and was severely underwhelming in those opportunities. He was often a healthy scratch due to a lingering knee injury that kept him from seeing much playing time.
The Ravens’ need for Alexander decreased significantly since trading for safety Alohi Gilman in the Odafe Oweh trade. The move opened up safety Kyle Hamilton’s versatility, as Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has often utilized three safeties since Gilman’s arrival. Throw in young corners in T.J. Tampa and Keyon Martin having key roles on special teams, and Alexander quickly became an afterthought.
At 3-5 and the momentum shifting, Baltimore likely has plenty more moves to make. With the Alexander trade clearing up a 53-man roster spot, General Manager Eric DeCosta’s next move seems obvious.
Ravens should look to add corner depth after Alexander deal
With the injury, Alexander was not a reliable player on the field. He registered a 36.9 defensive grade over 61 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. While the three safety looks have lessened the need for a deeper cornerback unit, their depth is becoming too shallow. In Alexander’s place, DeCosta could look to add a cheaper, healthier option on the trade or free agent market.
Currently, there are veterans in free agency who could prove to be worthy depth options. Cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Stephon Gilmore are left unsigned as the calendar turns to November. Fuller signed with the Detroit Lions, but was released two weeks after signing. However, neither has done anything to warrant being given a shot over Tampa or Martin, so if either veteran were added, it would likely be as a practice squad addition.
It sounds like the Ravens could add a corner via trade. The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported that DeCosta was making calls for a cornerback in recent weeks, and it could make some sense to scoop up a buy-low piece on the trade market. Cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Noah Igbinoghene have been names floated out there as potential trade candidates, and neither would cost much.
If Baltimore does opt to add a corner, it is not expected to be a game-changing player, but it is an area of need, given the increasing lack of depth.