Jaire Alexander Reignites Super Bowl Hopes for the Baltimore Ravens

In a high-stakes move that sent ripples through the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens have signed cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year deal worth up to six  million dollars. The addition reunites Alexander with his former college teammate Lamar Jackson, reviving the friendship they forged at Louisville. Despite recent injury concerns and a tumultuous end in Green Bay, Alexander’s pedigree as a two-time Pro Bowler brings much-needed elite coverage to Baltimore’s secondary. Jackson’s vocal advocacy— “Go get him, Eric,” he told Eric DeCosta, Ravens General Manager— was the final nudge in what has become a statement acquisition for a Ravens defense intent on Super Bowl contention.

Cardinal Connection

Back at Louisville from 2015 to 2017, Alexander and Jackson were the definition of iron sharpening iron. On one side of the ball stood Jackson, a dual-threat quarterback with unmatched speed and creativity. On the other hand, Alexander, a lockdown corner, thrived on reading quarterbacks and jumping routes. Their practice battles became legend within the program, so a rivalry was born between them. Not in the way where they hated each other, but in the way where they respected each other's craft and pushed each other immensely on the field. This led to both receiving high accolades during their respective careers at Louisville. In 2016, Alexander made it to Second-Team All-ACC honors, while Jackson, that same season, claimed the Heisman Trophy— proof that both were excelling in their respective domains.

Separate Ways

In the 2018 NFL Draft, Jaire and Lamar went their separate ways, with Jaire being drafted the 18th pick by the Packers and Lamar 32nd by the Ravens. Though they rarely face off on the field due to their roles and teams, their shared history creates a deeper connection, often expressed through playful banter and support on social media. During his time with the Packers, Jaire was named All-Pro twice, in 2020 and 2022, proving himself as one of the most elite corners in the NFL. In 2022, he was granted a 4-year, 84 million dollar extension with 30 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time. Lamar went on to become one of, if not the best, quarterback in the NFL, breaking Michael Vick's record for most QB rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Not only that, but he also snagged two (three, let's be honest) MVP awards. His output on the field rewarded him with a 5-year $260 million contract, $180 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid NFL player in history at the time of signing.

Reunion

Unfortunately, after the historic signing, Jaire suffered a string of injuries and only played 34% of snaps in the next 2 years. This was a major drawback for his career, so much so that the Packers tried desperately to trade him throughout the regular season and off-season during the 2024-2025 season, but no team would risk acquiring an injury-prone corner for draft picks. During the 2025 off-season, the Packers decided to release Jaire and cut their loss. Just days after his release, Lamar, during a post-training camp interview, made it very vocal that he wanted Jaire on his team. EDC obliged, and Jaire was signed to the Ravens on a one-year, six-million-dollar deal ($10 million with incentives). Jaire gets a breath of fresh air with a new team and will look to prove himself as a player again. Hopefully, he will get a huge payday next season, whether it is with the Ravens or another team.

My Reaction

Yes, I am aware of Jaire's injury history. But a new team could be the juice he needs to prove doubters wrong. Just three years ago, he was one of the best corners in the NFL, and I have no doubt he is looking to get back to form. He is also only 28 years old. There's a lot of gas left in the tank for him. On paper, there are no excuses for the Ravens to win a Super Bowl this year now. This is an entirely complete team on both ends of the field. I get it, injuries happen, and they will happen. But this team has been the most complete since the 2012-2013 Super Bowl run. The only way I see the Ravens being unable to get over the hump finally is the coaching staff making drastic changes in the game plan, again.

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