The Baltimore Ravens signed Jaire Alexander during the 2025 offseason following a direct appeal (of sorts) from his college teammate, Lamar Jackson. He had dealt with several knee injuries in the past four seasons with only 18 games in 2021, 2023, and 2024 combined. It took him a while to hit the practice field in Baltimore, and his Week 1 debut in purple-and-black went disastrously.

John Harbaugh indicated that Alexander was still dealing with knee issues, though he appeared in Week 5 amid the Ravens’ cornerback injuries. Otherwise, he was inactive on game days and seemed to be out of the team’s plans entirely.

Never one to hesitate at trading for a (former) star, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman offered a late Day 3 pick swap for Alexander at the trade deadline. Eric DeCosta, perhaps not expecting Alexander to net a comp pick in free agency, took the offer and came out the winner.

Eagles get: cornerback Jaire Alexander, 2027 seventh-round pick

Here we go. The Ravens used the pick on a punter. Michigan State’s Ryan Eckley.

Shortly after arriving in Philly, Alexander announced that he was stepping away from football to focus on his physical and mental health. He did not appear in a single game for the Eagles, who eventually placed him on the reserve/retired list.

The Ravens ended up paying the Eagles $500,000 back as a result of Alexander’s decision. He also returned $389,000, and Philadelphia additionally received a cap credit.