At first glance, the Ravens’ Saturday trade of cornerback Jaire to the Philadelphia Eagles was surprising.

The Ravens signed Alexander back in June. Critics cited his extensive injury record as a reason why the deal might not work out.

This might seem to be an accurate opinion on the surface. Alexander, who had reportedly “about a dozen” teams interested in signing him before signing with Ravens (reportedly for less money than they could have gotten elsewhere), was out of the training camp for about a week as he took care of the knee that he had surgically repaired. He played in only two games. He has been a healthy scratch for the last three games.

Signing the 28-year old Alexander to an alleged $4 million, one-year contract (plus $2 million more in incentives based upon playing time) was low-risk and high-reward.

Alexander was a top cornerback who had been rated second highest by Pro Football Focus in a single coverage for the past 2021. He also provided a solid depth piece to a cornerback group that is full of talent. It wouldn’t be financially damaging to the Ravens if it didn’t pan out.

DeCosta has been praised for this trade. The Ravens sent Alexander and a pick in the 2027 seventh round to the Eagles in exchange for a pick in the 2026 sixth round.

Sports Illustrated Gilberto Manzano says: “Grade A. Baltimore did not have much need for Alexander, after recent personnel changes improved the secondary dramatically in the last two games. Alohi Gillman, the Chargers’ safety acquired in a recent trade, has been a great addition to this team. Baltimore sent Los Angeles edge rusher Odafe Oweh. Baltimore also gained Los Angeles’ 2026 fifth round pick and gave up a future 7th-round selection. The Ravens improved their Day 3 pick by acquiring Alexander. The Ravens were able to improve their secondary by acquiring the L.A. fifth-rounder without spending much money on draft capital.

ESPN’s Seth Walder: “Grade: B+. This is a no-cost deal for the Ravens. “They’re saving money (Alexander was under contract) and gaining some draft capital by drafting a player that wasn’t going to play for them.”

Zrebiec “Alexander did not play special teams. Therefore, there was no room for him to be on the roster of the team as a cornerback reserve. The Ravens gained another draft pick and created around $2 million of salary cap space by making the trade. General Manager Eric DeCosta now has the draft capital and cap flexibility to add players before the deadline of Tuesday at 4 p.m. Trading Alexander also gives him roster flexibility.”