Ravens Get an ‘A’ Grade for Jaire Alexander Trade
The Ravens trading cornerback Jaire Alexander to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday was a surprise – at least at first glance.
When the Ravens signed Alexander in June, critics pointed to the two-time All-Pro’s extensive injury history as to why it had potential to not pan out.
On the surface, that might appear to be a valid opinion. Alexander, who reportedly had “about a dozen teams” interested in him before signing with the Ravens (reportedly for less money than he could’ve gotten elsewhere), missed about a month of training camp as he managed the health of his surgically repaired knee and appeared in just two games. He was a healthy scratch the past three games.
The fact is that signing the 28-year-old Alexander to a one-year, reportedly $4 million contract (plus an additional $2 million in incentives based on playing time) was a low-risk, high-reward move.
If Alexander could stay healthy, the Ravens were getting a star player who was Pro Football Focus’ second-highest graded cornerback in single coverage since 2021, as well as a quality depth piece in a talented cornerback room. If it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t hurt the Ravens financially.
DeCosta is being praised by pundits for the trade, which saw the Ravens send Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano: “Grade: A. Baltimore didn’t have much of a need for Alexander after the recent personnel changes drastically improved the secondary in the past two games. Safety Alohi Gilman has given this team a spark after arriving in a trade with the Chargers earlier this month. Baltimore sent edge rusher Odafe Oweh to Los Angeles. Also, Baltimore gained a 2026 fifth-round pick from Los Angeles and relinquished a future seventh-round pick. It didn’t work out with Alexander, but the Ravens at least improved a Day 3 draft pick. … Somehow the Ravens improved their secondary without having to give up much draft capital and in a way came out on the better end with the fifth rounder from L.A.”
ESPN’s Seth Walder: “Grade: B+. For the Ravens, this is a freebie. They’re saving a little money (Alexander’s contract was guaranteed) and gaining a little draft capital for a player who wasn’t playing for them anyway.”
Zrebiec: “Alexander didn’t play special teams, meaning there was really no place for him on the game-day roster as a reserve cornerback. In making the deal, the Ravens created about $2 million in salary cap space and added another draft pick. General Manager Eric DeCosta has the cap flexibility and draft capital to make additions before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Trading Alexander gives him some roster flexibility as well.”