Ravens Trade Jaire Alexander to Eagles for 2026 Sixth-Round Pick

On the eve of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, the Baltimore Ravens pulled the plug on a high-profile but underwhelming experiment, trading veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. The deal, officially confirmed by Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on November 4, 2024, included a 2027 seventh-round selection going to Philadelphia — a minor swap that spoke volumes about how little Alexander had contributed on the field since his arrival.

Why This Trade Wasn’t a Shock

"It’s not like them trading away Jaire is like this big hole of snaps that’s now not accounted for. Ja barely played for him."

That line, from a November 5 YouTube analysis dissecting Alexander’s time in Baltimore, captured the reality better than any press release. The Ravens signed Alexander in March 2024 to a five-year, $85 million deal, hoping he’d be the lockdown corner they’d lacked since Jimmy Smith’s decline. But by Week 9 — a 27-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium — he’d played just 38% of defensive snaps. His injury-plagued training camp, which sidelined him for nearly six weeks, never fully recovered. By the time he returned, the Ravens’ defense had already shifted to younger players like Damarion Williams and Arthur Maulet, who were more reliable in coverage and more willing to tackle.

The Numbers Behind the Move

The Ravens entered the trade deadline at 3-5, clinging to playoff hopes but clearly out of sync on defense. Early in the season, they ranked 32nd in pass defense — last in the league. By November, they’d climbed to 18th, thanks to improved safety play and a more aggressive front seven. That improvement made Alexander expendable. His $14.2 million cap hit in 2024 was a burden no longer justified by production. The Eagles, meanwhile, were looking for a veteran presence to stabilize a secondary that had struggled with consistency behind Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell. Alexander, a former Pro Bowler from Green Bay, had the pedigree — but his injury history (three major hamstring strains since 2021) made this a low-risk, high-reward gamble for Philadelphia.

What the Ravens Gained — and Lost

The trade didn’t bring in a player. It brought in draft capital. A 2026 sixth-round pick isn’t glamorous, but in the modern NFL, every selection matters. The Ravens now have seven picks in the 2026 draft, including two in the top 100. That flexibility was crucial. As Nestor Aparicio, host of Baltimore’s "Monday Night Live," noted on October 31: "The difficulty of player-for-player trades means front offices almost always default to draft picks. It’s safer. It’s cleaner." The Ravens also cleared $9.8 million in cap space — money they’ll likely use to restructure contracts for Marlon Humphrey or sign a mid-tier edge rusher before the season ends. They didn’t need another cornerback. Humphrey, now under a restructured deal finalized in March 2025, remains their anchor. Adoree’ Jackson, signed last offseason, has been a steady presence. Damarion Williams, a third-year player, has stepped up in Alexander’s absence.

What This Means for the Eagles

Philadelphia’s secondary has been a patchwork since cornerback Darius Slay missed time with a calf strain in October. Alexander gives them a name, a reputation, and a proven track record — even if his recent performance has been inconsistent. He’s not a long-term solution. He’s a short-term Band-Aid. The Eagles are 7-2 and in playoff position, but their pass defense ranks 20th. They needed a veteran who could step in and play immediately. Alexander, despite his limitations, still has the footwork and instincts to cover elite receivers for a few weeks.

But here’s the catch: if he gets hurt again, the Eagles lose him for the rest of the season. And they gave up a 2026 sixth-rounder — a pick that could’ve been used on a developmental cornerback or a special teams ace. It’s a gamble. But with a Super Bowl window still open, Philadelphia’s front office is betting that Alexander’s upside outweighs his risk.

What’s Next for Both Teams

The Ravens head into their Week 10 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on November 10, 2024, with a secondary that’s younger, cheaper, and more versatile. They’ll need it. Minnesota’s offense, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, is one of the most explosive in football. Without Alexander, the Ravens will rely on Humphrey and Jackson to lock down the outside, while Williams and Maulet handle slot duties.

For the Eagles, the focus is on the stretch run. They face the Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders in their next four games — all teams with strong passing attacks. Alexander’s debut could come as early as Week 11. If he looks sharp, the Eagles might look to extend him. If not, they’ll be back to square one — and with one fewer draft pick to fix it.

The Bigger Picture

This trade isn’t about star power. It’s about pragmatism. The Ravens recognized that Alexander’s contract was a sunk cost. They didn’t want to carry dead money into 2025. The Eagles saw a chance to upgrade without giving up a first-rounder or a core player. It’s a perfect example of how modern NFL front offices operate: no ego, no grand gestures, just cold, calculated asset management.

And it’s a reminder that in football, even the most talented players can become expendable — not because they’re bad, but because timing, health, and depth conspire against them.