The Atlanta Falcons have turned their attention to training camp after wrapping up their OTAs and minicamp. Despite retooling this offseason and making significant changes due to financial constraints, the Falcons are still looking for upgrades. Bolstering the cornerback rotation is considered one of the more important needs for Atlanta, as Jalen Ramsey is constantly being talked about as a potential trade target.
While there hasn't been any positive development for the Falcons in the Ramsey front, they were reportedly very close to landing another All-Pro cornerback this week. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed on Friday that Jaire Alexander seriously considered joining Atlanta before signing with the Baltimore Ravens last week.
All-Pro CB Jaire Alexander Almost Joined the Falcons Over Ravens
Jaire Alexander considered signing with the Falcons before choosing the Ravens, according to @JFowlerESPN.https://t.co/LZ0gBeT3KH
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) June 21, 2025
Fowler added that Alexander's close relationship with the Falcons coaching staff played a role in the discussions. The former Packers defender is especially close with the Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray, who spent three seasons in Green Bay before coming to Atlanta in 2023. The Falcons' secondary coach, Justin Hood, was also with the Packers for three seasons.
"There were some other teams involved. I was told Alexander thought about the Atlanta Falcons, where he had some relationships to the coaching staff there."Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
In the end, Alexander signed with the Ravens to play alongside his college teammate, Lamar Jackson. Both stars were first-round picks in 2018, coming out of Louisville, and will be reuniting for the AFC contender. Despite enjoying plenty of individual success, neither player has been able to lift the Lombardi Trophy. They are hoping to finally achieve the team success that has eluded them so far in their careers.
While it is good news that a defender of Alexander's caliber was close to joining the Falcons, the old adage, "close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades," is relevant here. Atlanta needs to get back out there and find a way to bolster the secondary before the season. J