The Baltimore Ravens defense got an upgrade Wednesday with the signing of former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. New Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf has some history with him dating back to a fiery 2020 Divisional Round playoff matchup.
Alexander held Metcalf to four catches for 59 yards as the Packers eliminated the Seahawks en route to the NFC Championship. There were a few heated exchanges in that game, including an instance where Alexander threw Metcalf to the ground during a play that didn’t target him.
To be fair, not all of Metcalf’s production in that game came directly against Alexander. Further, Alexander gave up a touchdown in that game, but it was to Tyler Lockett. Nonetheless, that was the only meeting between the two since Alexander missed the 2022 and 2024 matchups between their two former franchises.
Still, even that one matchup left an impression on Metcalf. In a 2023 interview with Kevin Hart, Metcalf named Alexander alongside Jalen Ramsey and former Miami Dolphin Xavien Howard as the cornerbacks who gave him the most trouble.
Ironically, trade rumors earlier this spring indicated the Packers tried to trade Alexander and draft capital to the Seahawks in exchange for Metcalf. Of course, that didn’t come to be, and now the two play for opposing teams in one of the league’s most heated rivalries.
If Alexander returns to form, Pittsburgh Steelers' Metcalf has his work cut out for him
Alexander is a two-time Pro Bowler and, when healthy, has been regarded as one of the top corners in the NFL. Injuries and a malcontent attitude with Green Bay have soured his career in recent years, though. He’s played in just 14 games over the past two seasons.
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Of course, with that in mind, there’s no guarantee that Alexander will get to matchup with Metcalf when the Steelers and Ravens renew their rivalry at the end of the season. Alexander signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Baltimore, so a starting position on the outside isn’t immediately implied.
If they are to line up again, it’ll certainly add fuel to the fire in the rivalry, especially if Alexander returns to form. The Ravens host the Steelers for their first meeting on December 7. The return trip to Pittsburgh will be in the final week of the regular season in January.