Lamar Jackson is hoping for a bit of a Louisville reunion in Baltimore this fall.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is making a passionate case for a reunion with his former Louisville teammate, cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was recently released by the Green Bay Packers. The two-time NFL MVP is publicly advocating for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to sign the talented but injury-prone defensive back, even jokingly dropping to his knees to emphasize his plea.
“Go get him, Eric!” Jackson exclaimed during a press interaction on June 17, 2025, as reported by NFL insider Ari Meirov. Jackson also revealed that he has already reached out to Alexander to discuss the possibility of joining forces in Baltimore.
#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson on former college teammate Jaire Alexander, who was just released by the #Packers: “Go get him, Eric!”
He added that he’s already reached out to Jaire. pic.twitter.com/Nv4MDJcJh5
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 17, 2025
A Shared History at Louisville
Jackson and Alexander spent three seasons together at the University of Louisville from 2015 to 2017, forming a strong bond during their college years. Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2016, emerged as one of college football’s most electrifying players, while Alexander established himself as a lockdown cornerback. Both players were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, with Alexander going No. 18 overall to the Packers and Jackson picked at No. 32 by the Ravens.
Their shared history and chemistry could make Alexander an appealing addition to the Ravens’ roster, both on and off the field.
Alexander’s Tenure with the Packers
The Packers parted ways with Alexander earlier this month after seven seasons, a surprising move given his status as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks when healthy. A first-round pick in 2018, Alexander earned two Pro Bowl selections and signed a four-year, $84 million extension in 2022. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons. He played just four games in 2021 due to a shoulder injury and appeared in only seven games in each of the last two seasons, battling back, shoulder, and knee issues.
In 2025, Alexander was set to earn over $16 million, but the Packers reportedly offered a restructured deal that included a pay cut, which fell through, leading to his release. Despite his injury history, Alexander remains a high-upside player capable of transforming a secondary when at full strength.
Why the Ravens Need Alexander
The Ravens’ pass defense struggled last season, exposing vulnerabilities in their young secondary. To address this, the team drafted two cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but adding a proven veteran like Alexander could provide an immediate boost. At his best, Alexander is a shutdown corner who could complement Baltimore’s existing defensive backs, including veteran Marlon Humphrey, who could shift to the slot if Alexander joins the starting lineup.
Jackson’s public endorsement underscores the potential fit, as Alexander’s playmaking ability aligns with the Ravens’ aggressive defensive scheme. His familiarity with Jackson could also ease his transition into the team’s culture.
Will the Ravens Make a Move?
While Jackson’s plea adds pressure on DeCosta and the Ravens’ front office, signing Alexander is not without risks. His injury history raises concerns about his durability, and any deal would need to balance his potential impact with financial considerations. However, Alexander’s proven track record and the Ravens’ need for a reliable cornerback make the idea enticing.
Whether DeCosta heeds his star quarterback’s call remains uncertain, but Jackson’s vocal support has sparked excitement among Ravens fans hoping for a Louisville reunion in Baltimore this fall. As the team looks to bolster its roster for a playoff push, Alexander could be the missing piece to elevate their defense—if he can stay healthy.