Ravens Swoop on Vikings Free Agent Target
From the moment the Green Bay Packers released cornerback Jaire Alexander, a faction of Minnesota Vikings fans envisioned a free-agent relationship.
Fans maintained hope that one high-profile free agent would land with the Vikings, but he signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday.
And while that outcome remained possible for a week and a half, the Baltimore Ravens ended the mystery on Wednesday.
Alexander is a Raven.
Jaire Alexander to the Ravens
Ravens.com’s Clifton Brown broke the story Wednesday.
He wrote, “Lamar Jackson urged the Ravens to sign Jaire Alexander, and the franchise quarterback’s wish has been granted. Alexander has signed with Baltimore, reuniting the two-time Pro Bowler with Jackson, his friend and former teammate at Louisville.”
“The 28-year-old Alexander has been one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks when healthy and is a physical player who loves the challenge of covering top receivers. He will add experience and depth to the team’s cornerback group led by four-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey and talented second-year pro Nate Wiggins.”
The Alexander dream for Minnesota is dead-dead. Alexander signed in Baltimore for one year and $6 million.
Brown added, “Alexander projects to be the outside cornerback opposite Wiggins, with Humphrey playing considerably inside. Jackson said Tuesday that he had spoken to Alexander since the Packers released him on June 9, and the franchise quarterback made it clear he hoped Baltimore would add him to their roster.”
Minnesota Fans Held Out Hope for Jaire Alexander
Alexander represented intrigue for Minnesota based on two reasons. Foremost, he used to play for the Packers, and the fan base is always delighted when a player like Brett Favre, Ryan Longwell, Aaron Jones, or Za’Darius Smith crosses state lines. So, there was a spiteful angle.
Next, and more importantly, Alexander would’ve made Minnesota’s roster bulletproof. Onlookers only really perceive one depth chart weakness through mid-June, and that’s the cornerback spot.
Alexander could’ve eliminated the weakness.
Baltimore’s New CB Room
Here’s a fresh look at Baltimore’s cornerback group:
- Jaire Alexander
- Marlon Humphrey
- Nate Wiggins
- Chidobe Awuzie
- T.J. Tampa
- Bilhal Kone
- Robert Longerbeam
- Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Marquise Robinson
- Reuben Lowry
- Keyon Martin
Alexander makes the group a top-tier unit around the NFL — and a steal of a deal at $6 million.
What the Ravens Signing Means for the Vikings
Alexander Alternatives
Since Minnesota did not net Alexander from free agency, the team might pursue other angles. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still has alternative cornerback options on the open market. Players like Mike Hilton, Jack Jones, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Rasul Douglas, Asante Samuel Jr., and C.J. Henderson have signed nowhere through three months of free agency.
There’s also the lingering Jalen Ramsey trade option, though obtaining him from the Miami Dolphins would be expensive.
Ravens-Themed Media on Alexander
RavensWire.com’s Glenn Erby wrote about the possibility of Alexander to Baltimore on Tuesday, “The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with star defensive back Jaire Alexander after seven seasons, and Baltimore could be the perfect landing spot for the former Louisville cornerback. Alexander has developed into an All-Pro cornerback, but during his time with the Cardinals, he developed a tight bond with MVP candidate and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.”
“Alexander has missed at least 10 games in three of his last four seasons, but he’s still one of the best in the NFL when healthy. During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Jackson confirmed that he’s spoken to his former college teammate and wants Ravens GM Eric DeCosta to ‘go get him.’ Alexander played just seven games in 2024, marking the second straight season in which he missed at least ten games due to injury.”
Baltimore’s defense ranked 11th per EPA/Play in 2024.
“This spring, general manager Brian Gutekunst told the media that Alexander’s absences have been ‘tough on the player and tough on the organization,’ which signed the cornerback to an $84 million extension in 2022. The addition of Alexander could allow Marlon Humphrey to remain in the slot comfortably.”
Vikings fans were quick to decry the team on social media for not signing Alexander at his newly-revealed $6 million price point.
Report Reveals Vikings’ Real Plan at QB
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