The Baltimore Ravens don’t need a starting inside linebacker with second-year pro Trenton Simpson poised to replace Patrick Queen. However, there’s room for a depth addition, and it would be fitting if Kwon Alexander joined the Ravens in 2024 NFL free agency from Queen’s new team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Alexander spent part of last season with the Steelers, but Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes “a return to Pittsburgh is unlikely, as the Steelers signed Patrick Queen and drafted Payton Wilson to bolster their linebacker corps. However, the rival Baltimore Ravens could potentially use Alexander to help replace Queen.”
Knox also mentioned that Alexander “proved to be a capable rotational player through nine games before suffering a torn Achilles. Alexander finished the 2023 season with 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. He allowed an opposing passer rating of only 76.3 in coverage.”
Given his extensive injury history and the fact that he will turn 30 in August, “Alexander should be available at a team-friendly price,” according to Knox.
This would be a bargain the Ravens should consider. Signing Alexander would bring in a proven, versatile linebacker to support Simpson’s development and complement All-Pro Roquan Smith. Kwon Alexander Would Fit With Ravens
Alexander has played for five teams, and at his best, he’s a Pro-Bowl talent. The 29-year-old has the range to make an impact in both phases of defense.
His strength is in coverage, where he allowed only 20 completions from 26 targets in 2023, with an average of 6.3 yards per target, according to Pro Football Reference.
Alexander highlighted his playmaking ability with a game-sealing interception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9.
A linebacker skilled against the pass would be an ideal complement to a physical player like Smith. Alexander would fit into the rotation but needs to be more effective as a downhill force, having missed 18 tackles over the last three seasons. A more significant concern is that Alexander has only completed a full season twice in his career—once in 2016 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and again six years later with the New York Jets.
If healthy, Alexander would be the perfect mentor for Simpson, who is entering a crucial second season. Trenton Simpson Needs Breakout Season
Simpson needs to have a breakout season. He is expected to maintain and ideally enhance a partnership that was vital to the league’s best defense last season.
The Queen and Smith duo allowed the former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to expand the playbook. Simpson needs to show the versatility to help new play-caller Zach Orr be just as innovative.
This is a significant challenge for a second-year player with only 15 games under his belt. Fortunately, early indications are promising for Simpson.
His performance against the Steelers in Week 18, per PFF BAL Ravens, suggests he can handle the role. Still, signing Alexander to a veteran’s minimum contract would be a smart move for the Ravens as insurance.