The Baltimore Ravens have strengthened their team with cornerback Jaire Alexander, a former All-Pro player. The Ravens are continuing to gear up – there can be no more excuses. A commentary.

The Baltimore Ravens have sent a strong signal by signing cornerback Jaire Alexander: They don’t want to compromise in 2025 and finally win the Super Bowl.

The former Green Bay Packers star signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million – a move that makes sense both strategically and emotionally.

Jaire Alexander joins the Baltimore Ravens: low risk, high reward

Jaire Alexander is undoubtedly a brilliant cornerback – when he’s healthy.

However, that has rarely been the case over the past two seasons. Injuries to his knee, back, shoulder, and groin limited him to just 14 games during that span, most recently battling a torn posterior cruciate ligament.

This injury history was the main reason why the Packers released him after seven years, as his high salary could no longer be justified by his playing time.

For the Ravens, this is a calculated risk: the contract is short-term and peppered with incentives, which minimizes the financial burden. If Alexander stays healthy, he brings All-Pro qualities to an already strong defense. His ability to shut down top receivers and his ball skills (twelve career interceptions) could give the Ravens secondary the boost it needs.

And if he remains injury-prone? Then the damage is manageable, as Baltimore is not committed long term. The potential upside clearly outweighs the downside here.

Jaire Alexander with the Baltimore Ravens: A star for a star-studded lineup

The Ravens already have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. With Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins at cornerback and safeties Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, they are excellently staffed.

Humphrey is an established star, Starks is a promising rookie, and Hamilton is considered one of the best safeties in the league. Nevertheless, Alexander offers an additional dimension. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Zach Orr to play more flexible schemes – such as Humphrey in the slot or Alexander shadowing the opposing team’s top receiver.

This depth is worth its weight in gold in a league where passing is so important. In addition, Alexander allows the Ravens to better absorb injuries in the backfield without sacrificing quality. Compared to Chidobe Awuzie, who only put in solid performances in 2024, Alexander is definitely an upgrade. With this secondary, there are no more excuses for weaknesses against the pass.

Jaire Alexander with the Baltimore Ravens: Just what Lamar wanted

A decisive factor in the signing was Lamar Jackson’s desire to bring his former college teammate from the University of Louisville to Baltimore. The two played together from 2015 to 2017, and their close friendship was evident in the 2018 NFL Draft, when Alexander emotionally celebrated Jackson’s selection.

Jackson publicly pushed for the signing, and the Ravens listened. This decision should boost the morale of the franchise quarterback, who has shown his dissatisfaction with the front office on more than one occasion in the past.

Jaire Alexander with the Baltimore Ravens: There are no more excuses

With Alexander on board, there are no more excuses for the Ravens in 2025. The offense around Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers is one of the best in the league. The defensive backfield is virtually unmatched league-wide.

The former Packers star’s injury history is a risk, but the depth in defense and the favorable contract minimize the danger. Jackson’s influence shows that the franchise is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. True to the motto: “Our franchise QB has a wish? We’ll make it happen.” In a conference with powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills, the Ravens have to deliver.

The signing of Alexander is a statement: Baltimore wants to fight for the title again.

And ideally win it. Anything else would be a disappointment.