Baltimore Beatdown
Jaire Alexander will keep his jersey number after Trenton Simpson changes.
New Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander will wear No. 23, the same jersey number he sported as a Green Bay Packer.
Alexander reportedly chose the Ravens over several other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins. The former All-Pro signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with Baltimore, reuniting him with his former college quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
In a corresponding move, inside linebacker Trenton Simpson is switching from No. 23 to No. 32. Simpson is looking to rebound from a disappointing sophomore season in which his playing time on defense was reduced as the year went on. The 2023 third-round pick struggled to fill the role of weakside linebacker next to Roquan Smith, left behind by Pro Bowler Patrick Queen, but with an extra year of experience under his belt, Simpson may be ready to realize his potential this time around.
There were two additional number changes, as cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is moving from No. 25 to wear No. 3, while safety Beau Brade will move from No. 28 to No. 25.
Awuzie and Alexander will likely split time as the second outside cornerback opposite Nate Wiggins while veteran Marlon Humphrey mans the slot. This is beneficial for both players, considering their recent struggles with injuries. Meanwhile, Brade is competing with fellow sophomore Sanoussi Kane for the third safety role behind starters Kyle Hamilton and rookie first-rounder Malaki Starks.
