The Baltimore Ravens go all-in for the 2024 season, signing DeAndre Hopkins & Jaire Alexander on July 16. See how these moves make them top AFC contenders.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the AFC North couldn't get any tougher, the Baltimore Ravens have sent a shockwave through the league. On Wednesday, the team bolstered its championship aspirations by signing five-time Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins and elite cornerback Jaire Alexander to stunningly team-friendly one-year deals, all while preparing to lock down its young, All-Pro core for years to come. The message from the front office is clear: the time to win is now.
With Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Malaki Starks, and now Jaire Alexander, the Ravens' secondary is poised to 'lock down opponents from Week 1.'
The Ravens' front office has worked its magic again, landing two premier talents on bargain contracts. DeAndre Hopkins, signed for just one year and $5 million, provides Lamar Jackson with a proven, big-bodied target who can win contested catches. After stops in Houston, Arizona, Tennessee, and Kansas City, 'Nuk' brings a wealth of experience to a young receiving corps. On the other side of the ball, Jaire Alexander joins on a one-year, $4 million 'prove it' deal. The former Packer is one of the league's best cover corners when healthy, and his addition transforms an already strong secondary into a potentially legendary unit.
While the splashy veteran signings grab the headlines, the most important news for the team's long-term health is the impending contract extensions for its young stars. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, and dynamic tight end Isaiah Likely are all reportedly in line for new deals. These three represent the heart of the Ravens' recent draft success, and securing them ensures that the team's foundation remains strong for another Super Bowl window. It's a classic Ravens strategy: reward your own and build a sustainable winner.
Analysts are already projecting Zach Orr's unit to be among the NFL's top three, and it's easy to see why. The addition of Alexander to a secondary featuring Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and first-round pick Nate Wiggins creates a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The depth will be crucial, especially with the unfortunate news that safety Ar'Darius Washington is expected to miss most of the season with a torn Achilles. His absence elevates the importance of rookie safety Malaki Starks, who is now expected to play a significant role from the jump. This group has the talent and depth to dominate.
The defense may look unstoppable on paper, but the offense also received a major boost. The addition of Hopkins gives Lamar Jackson the reliable veteran presence he's been missing, creating a formidable trio alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Meanwhile, the extensions for Linderbaum and Likely solidify the offensive line's anchor and a key red-zone weapon, respectively. While rookie tackle Emery Jones Jr. is currently sidelined with a shoulder issue, he is expected back for training camp, ensuring the line's depth remains intact for the grueling season ahead.
The Ravens have pushed all their chips to the middle of the table for 2025. By blending high-impact veterans with a secured young core, they've constructed a roster that is arguably the most talented in the entire league. The expectations are now stratospheric. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Baltimore to see if this masterful offseason plan can translate into the one thing that has eluded them in the Lamar Jackson era: a Lombardi Trophy.
