Ravens Make Blockbuster Move, Reunite Jaire Alexander with Lamar Jackson in Secondary Shake-Up
The Baltimore Ravens have added a major piece to their secondary, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander. The contract is worth up to $6 million with incentives, according to a team source. The move strengthens a cornerback group that had depth concerns and reunites Alexander with his former Louisville teammate and close friend, quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens have long held the philosophy that a team can never have too many reliable cornerbacks, and Alexander brings both experience and high-end talent. Baltimore had some uncertainty behind established starter Marlon Humphrey and rookie Nate Wiggins, the team’s 2024 first-round pick. Chidobe Awuzie, a free-agent signing this offseason, was penciled in as the No. 3 cornerback, but the 30-year-old is coming off an injury-riddled year in which he played just eight games—only one more than Alexander managed.
With Alexander now in the fold, Baltimore’s secondary looks poised to be among the league’s elite. New secondary coach Chuck Pagano, hired by John Harbaugh after his stint as Colts head coach, has the option to start Alexander and Wiggins on the outside. That alignment would allow Humphrey, a veteran with inside versatility, to shift to the slot—potentially his best position at this stage of his career.
The Ravens’ defensive backfield also features two first-round safeties: Kyle Hamilton, who broke out last season, and rookie Malaki Starks, giving Baltimore one of the most talented and versatile secondaries in the NFL. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Ravens are clearly gearing up for another deep playoff run.
