TheBaltimore Ravens came away as winnersof the short-lived Jaire Alexander sweepstakes, as they signed the former Green Bay Packers defensive back to a one-year contract worth $4 million. According toKevin Patra ofNFL.com, the deal also comes with $2 million worth of incentives, with a $500,000 bonus for Alexander if he plays at least 35, 40, 45 and 50 percent of snaps in the 2025 NFL season.
Alexander has always been a talented defensive weapon in the pros, but staying healthy appears to be a big challenge for him. He has played in only 14 games in the last two seasons. Alexander also appeared in just four games in 2023 before playing in 16 the following year.
A knee issue kept Alexander sidelined for the final seven Green Bay games in 2024, and on June 9, the Packers finally decided that it was time to let him go.
Lamar Jackson really wanted Alexander for the Ravens
Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Despite his past health issues, the Ravens went after Alexander, and it appears that Baltimore superstarquarterback Lamar Jacksonhad a hand in that decision.
“Go get him, Eric,” Jackson reportedly told Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong. But go get him, Eric.”
A two-time Pro Bowler, Alexander gives Baltimore’s secondary another talented weapon against opposing passing attacks. The Ravens were eighth in the NFL last season with just 21.2 points allowed per game but were just 27th with 238.3 passing yards allowed per contest and 23rd with a 1.77 percent defensive interception rate.
Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) congratulated by quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after his first quarter touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
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