The Baltimore Ravens, for the past few years, have been on the doorstep of a breakthrough of finally reach a coveted Super Bowl appearance. However, playoff inexperience and shortcomings have forced those efforts to fall flat.
With a roster loaded with talent, time is running out for the Ravens to put everything together when it matters and summit the mountain top.
General manager Eric DeCosta has recognized this and tapped into the free agency market to add veteran pieces this offseason with the hopes of a boost in locker room maturity. Adding former All-Pro talents should also improve the on-field performance as well and strengthen Baltimore's title odds in a tough AFC.
DeCosta signed veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who says he can be that "missing piece" for the Ravens' electrifying offense led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Defensively, Baltimore already deploys a strong secondary, but the room got another upgrade as former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander signed a free agent contract after getting released by the Green Bay Packers.
Alexander reunites with his college teammate Jackson and gets a fresh start with a contending team. He brings an elite pedigree and resume, but he must prove that he's is still capable of being as available as he is impactful.
Alexander's last two seasons have seen just 14 total games played as he's dealt with a list of lingering injuries. He is reportedly healthy as he nears his first training camp with the Ravens and is expected to get the starting job opposite of Marlon Humphrey.
If the veteran cover man can have a strong showing in 2025, Frank Platko of SB Nation believes Alexander could have a case for the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Although recent trends don't coincide with a defensive back winning the award, Alexander has all the makings of an eligible candidate, or "a player who has a good season after returning from an extended injury or negative circumstances the year prior."
Only four defensive backs have ever won CPOY honors. The honor has been practically designated to quarterbacks and receivers as of late, with those two positions winning it each of the last nine years.
Alexander may be a historical underdog, but if he returns to top form and improves the Ravens' top-10 defense from a season ago, the argument could be there for the eight-year pro.
Most importantly, Alexander's health and strong performance will help the Ravens' improve their disastrous 31st-ranked passing defense from 2024.