Baltimore stunned the NFL on Wednesday by signing veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, in a move that has pundits buzzing.
Less than a day after quarterback Lamar Jackson urged GM Eric DeCosta to “go get” his former college teammate from Louisville, Alexander officially inked a deal at the Ravens’ facility. Head coach John Harbaugh noted, “It was good timing,” perfectly capturing the timing and chemistry behind the unannounced signing.
The Ravens chose to break the news in their own way—and fans loved it. “Love the fact that the Ravens can keep this totally under wraps & no one knows it’s happening until they post/announce it themselves. Crazy. 😈😈” tweeted Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap). The move, which apparently cost Baltimore a one‑year, $6 million contract (including incentives), stunned many—especially after Alexander reportedly declined richer offers from about a dozen teams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker. Schefter wrote on Twitter that the cornerback “turned down more to be in Baltimore with his former college teammate, Lamar Jackson.”
So what are the experts saying? Let’s break down the reactions:
Pat McAfee Show analyst Darius Butler said:
“He’s still in the prime of his career. Great ball skills…you put him in a secondary with a guy like Kyle Hamilton, young superstar; Marlon Humphrey…; Nate Wiggins…this is a great, great signing for the Baltimore Ravens.”
Adam Schefter chimed in:
“If Jaire Alexander has [a great season] and he leaves in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens get a compensatory draft pick. So, they get Jaire Alexander this year and then set themselves up for more compensatory draft picks in the future… for $4 million.”
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec praised DeCosta’s model:
“This is a typical move by General Manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens, who have found success signing high‑profile veterans at modest prices… Their status as perennial contenders…Jackson’s presence… probably did as well.”
Brian Wacker (The Baltimore Sun) added:
“Adding Alexander was a no‑brainer…low‑risk, low‑cost…when healthy, he is another piece who can help turn what was one of the worst secondaries…into perhaps one of the best.”
Bennett Conlin (The Baltimore Sun) hardly held back:
“What’s not to like…bolsters Baltimore’s Super Bowl chances.”
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan weighed in:
“Even with all the questions surrounding Alexander’s durability…no opposing quarterback wants to see a player of his talent level…in coverage… the addition…makes life more difficult for Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers…Patrick Mahomes…”
NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks praised the revamped secondary:
“I love what he adds…a high‑end player to play alongside Nate Wiggins…and Marlon Humphrey now being able to kick inside. Their starting threesome on the perimeter is about as good as it gets…”
Baltimore Beatdown’s Dustin Cox was blunt:
“This signing could be an absolute steal if Baltimore gets a healthier Alexander this season…With battles against Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen…they have assembled perhaps the best secondary in the NFL.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport emphasized the move’s impact:
“The Ravens splashed in June, signing former Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander today.”
And Pro Football Focus chimed in with advanced metrics: Jaire ranked as the 2nd-highest graded CB in single coverage since 2021—proof of his elite lockdown ability.
–🔥 Sidebar: Ravens’ Other Potential Game-Changers
1. Running back unit dominance
PFF named Baltimore’s running backs—led by Derrick Henry—as the top unit in the NFL. Henry earned a 93.5 rushing grade, while Justice Hill excelled in third-down passing plays. Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali also contributed significantly.
2. Top-tier tight end duo
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely ranked among PFF’s top five tight ends. Andrews posted a finish with 11 touchdowns despite a slow start, while Likely delivered 271 of his 477 yards early in the season.
3. Rookie sensation alert
Safety Malaki Starks earned NFL.com All-Rookie honors. “I. Love. This. Guy.,” wrote NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice. Starks is projected to allow Kyle Hamilton to shine in a free safety role.
4. Depth and discipline warning
The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson says the Ravens must “stop beating themselves” to truly break through. He named Isaiah Likely as the breakout candidate and highlighted Baltimore’s strong draft and offensive line additions (e.g., LT Ronnie Stanley).
