Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is pushing for a college reunion.
At Ravens minicamp June 17 while accepting the Pro Football Writers of America MVP award, Jackson pushed for the Ravens to sign his former University of Louisville teammate, Jaire Alexander. The former Green Bay Packers cornerback was released by the Green Bay Packers June 9.
“Go get him, Eric,” Jackson said, referring to Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “I love all of our corners, don’t get me wrong. But go get him, Eric.”
Jackson and Alexander were teammates at Louisville for three years and both entered the 2018 NFL Draft. The Packers eventually traded up and took Alexander with the 18th pick in the draft. Baltimore took Jackson with the final pick of the first round. Jackson won the Heisman Trophy at Louisville in 2016.
Because Alexander played in just 14 games over the past two seasons. The Packers chose to eliminate his salary of about $16 million and save $17 million in salary cap space in 2025.
Jackson also said he’s already been recruiting Alexander, talking with him about possibly signing with the Ravens.
The Ravens often have a top defense and are expected to again be a playoff team next season, but there will be competition for Alexander on the free-agent market.
CBS Sports predicted on June 11 that Alexander would sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“All offseason, Alexander and the Green Bay Packers braced for a split over the two-time second-team All-Pro cornerback’s contract, which once looked reasonable but quickly became concerning as the cover man missed more and more time due to injuries,” Cody Benjamin wrote in the story. “The divorce finally occurred prior to minicamp, with the Packers outright releasing the veteran to free agency. Joining the rival Minnesota Vikings would be spicy and smart for both sides, while the Rams and Baltimore Ravens also make sense as playoff-contending suitors. The Philadelphia Eagles are due for a splash, though, and Alexander, who just happened to be born in Philly, would give them a higher-upside rental for their title-winning secondary.”
The Ravens also signed veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in the offseason.
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