The idea of cornerback Jaire Alexander joining the Pittsburgh Steelers was more theory than reality. Despite plenty of fans wishing Alexander would strengthen the Steelers’ secondary, he chose AFC North rival the Baltimore Ravens instead. New details from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler detailed other teams in the mix. Pittsburgh wasn’t among them.
Reporting over the weekend, Fowler indicated the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons were also possibilities.
“Falcons he was considering,” [Fowler said on SportsCenter.](https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1936465588941214022) “Miami Dolphins, he was also considering.”
A graphic accompanying his commentary also listed the Kansas City Chiefs among teams interested in signing him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also noted the Carolina Panthers expressed interest.
Perhaps that report wasn’t an exhaustive list of _all_ the teams who made a play for Alexander but if the Steelers were considered serious suitors, they likely would’ve been added in Fowler’s report. Especially considering Fowler’s beat was previously covering the AFC North and someone plugged-in with Pittsburgh.
Fowler noted Baltimore recruited Alexander most-aggressively, using ties to former college teammate Lamar Jackson to convince Jaire Alexander to accept less money and sign with the Ravens. He inked a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, $2 million of that containing playing time incentives. Health has been Alexander’s biggest issue, appearing in 14 total games over the past two years.
As Dave Bryan has discussed, it would’ve been difficult for Pittsburgh to get a deal done. The Steelers don’t structure contracts with non-quarterbacks with incentives and Alexander’s deal was likely going to contain them given his injury history that would mitigate the risk any team would take on. Pittsburgh also has two established outside corners in Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. with no logical option in the slot. In Baltimore, Marlon Humphrey frequently sees nickel snaps, making a more seamless fit.
The Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey remains the top cornerback available, [expected to be traded by training camp.](https://steelersdepot.com/2025/06/schefter-shares-details-over-inevitable-jalen-ramsey-trade-would-like-to-go-to-the-west-coast/) Plenty of rumors about Ramsey and the Steelers have popped up over the past week. Time will tell if they have any validity or if they’ll be as imaginary as the hope of Alexander signing.