Lamar Jackson publicly urges Ravens GM Eric DeCosta to sign CB Jaire Alexander at June 2025 minicamp. See why the QB is recruiting the ex-Packer himself.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Baltimore Ravens kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday with a clear message: good isn't good enough. While perfect attendance from healthy players set a professional tone, the real fireworks came from QB1. Lamar Jackson, fresh off leading drills, took to the podium and publicly urged GM Eric DeCosta to sign recently released Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, turning a standard practice day into a major headline.
Go get him, Eric! - Lamar Jackson on recruiting former Packers CB Jaire Alexander.
It's one thing for fans to dream up blockbuster additions, but it's another entirely when the face of the franchise makes a direct appeal. Jackson confirmed he's already been in contact with Alexander, who was released by the Packers after an injury-shortened 2024 but is expected to be fully healthy for the upcoming season. The move signals an all-in approach from the Ravens' leader, who clearly believes adding another elite piece to an already fearsome defense is the key to a championship. It puts the ball squarely in Eric DeCosta's court, with the whole Flock watching.
Jackson's ambition is mirrored by the team's commitment on the field. The Ravens reported perfect attendance for the start of their two-day minicamp, a testament to the culture John Harbaugh has built. The only players not participating were safety Ar'Darius Washington (Achilles) and rookie tackle Emery Jones (shoulder). Encouragingly, defensive backs Chidobe Awuzie and Beau Brade were both back in action after leaving OTAs with minor injuries. This gathering of one of the NFL's deepest rosters is a double-edged sword, however. While the talent is undeniable, it creates intense competition and sets the stage for some painful cuts down the line.
The harsh reality of that roster depth is already coming into focus. According to reports, two established veterans are on the roster bubble: tight end Mark Andrews and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom. For Andrews, a fan favorite and one of Jackson's most trusted targets for years, the news is shocking. However, with the team's youth movement and tight salary cap, no one is truly safe. The front office has proven its willingness to make bold moves—like re-signing Ronnie Stanley and drafting Malaki Starks—and these latest rumors suggest more tough decisions are imminent as they chisel the roster into a Super Bowl contender.
As a reminder of how talent circulates in the NFL, former Ravens safety DeShon Elliott signed a two-year, $12.5 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Elliott, a 2018 sixth-round pick by Baltimore, has overcome the injuries that plagued his time in purple and black to become a key starter for the archrivals, logging a career-high 108 tackles last season. His success in Pittsburgh serves as a bittersweet footnote, highlighting the tough personnel decisions Baltimore has always had to make.
With minicamp wrapping up, the Ravens will scatter for a six-week break before the real battles begin in training camp. But the storylines are already written. Will Eric DeCosta heed Lamar's call and make a play for Alexander? Can Mark Andrews secure his spot against the tide of a youth movement? This minicamp was short, but it set a dramatic and urgent tone for the summer ahead. The message from the top down is clear: the quest for a Super Bowl is on, and no one's job is safe.
