A few years ago, The Athletic viewed Russell Street Report as a farm system of sorts, for new writers. In Baltimore, Maryland, the dedicated writers who contribute to a non-mainstream publication covering the Ravens are members of an elite squad known as the Russell Street Report. These are their stories. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland are joined by special guest, Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic. The three examine the Ravens offseason so far in its totality, touching on some surprises, disappointments, and the work that needs to be done to get ready for the 2025 NFL Season. · 0:00: Intro · 0:20: Michael Pierce contract adjustment · 2:40: Cooper Rush contract details · 3:30: Current Effective Cap Space · 5:55: Welcome Jeff Zrebiec · 9:15: Ravens surprises this offseason · 11:35: Latest on Justin Tucker · 19:40: Many quality UFA’s still available…is that a surprise? · 22:40: Will Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum both receive the 5th year option · 26:10: Lamar Extension ~ why it will be a challenge · 31:37: Negotiating with Lamar v. Mahomes · 33:41: The return of the Prodigal Son and the Harbaugh Doghouse · 36:55: The curious case of Odafe Oweh · 44:40: Losses in the secondary · 47:28: The impact of Chuck Pagano · 49:25: How the Ravens stack up in the AFC North Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report touch down on the following topics (with corresponding time stamps) in this week’s edition of The Front Office. 0:00: Intro 1:30: Grade the offseason so far 3:00: Surprised by lack of edge splash? 5:30: Player development 9:45: Ben Cleveland’s return 11:26: Ar’Darius Washington update 13:28: Available NFL free agents 19:00: The value signing of Cooper Rush 22:48: The Bengals spending spree...could it backfire? 27:15: Mark Andrews situation 30:00: The Ravens don’t want to restructure Lamar…why? 33:00: Are the Ravens “all-in”? 35:00: Which Ravens are most likely to be restructured? 37:00: Void years and their impact on the Ravens salary cap 39:50: Why 2028 could be a problem year for the Ravens and their cap 41:50: Count on the Ravens spending a lot in 2026 43:30: The perplexing case of Tyler Linderbaum and his future in Baltimore 49:30: Derrick Henry extension talks Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report assess the Ravens current salary cap situation following the restructure of Marlon Humphrey’s contract which frees up over $13M in cap space. Plus, the assess the additions and subtractions from the team’s roster including the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins, and more. 0:50: Can the Ravens now spend the $13M+ in cap space on free agents or trade for Micah Parsons? 2:35: Why an extension would have been better than a restructure for Marlon Humphrey 5:30: Splash signings in the AFC North 09:00: The Ravens additions and subtractions to the roster 16:30: The unique contract of Pat Ricard 26:30: Ravens cuts 28:30: The curious case of Ar’Darius Washington 35:30: The Ravens EFFECTIVE CAP SPACE and ways to expand it. 44:50: What will happen with Mark Andrews. 48:00: The potential post June-1 cuts 52:30: Why join our forums? Well, it’s fun, informative and FREE! Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss: • Effective Cap Space • The Salary Cap is Fake • A surprise Ravens move • Ronnie Stanley is in the news… o Joe Thuney trade for a 2026 4th • NFLPA Player Poll • Derrick Henry’s asking price just jumped • The plethora of free agent WR’s • DK Metcalf for Mark Andrews? • Russell Street Report in the Ravens war room Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi of Russell Street Report address some challenges confronting Eric DeCosta and the Ravens this offseason including re-signing Ronnie Stanley and what to do with Mark Andrews and Justin Tucker. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland discuss the Ravens current salary cap situation, some breaking NFL news and how the team can create cap space to be players in free agency. Introduction · 2:00 Breaking News Regarding the NFL Salary Cap · 2:45 The Ravens Current Cap Situation · 6:20 The critical Rule of 51 · 11:00 Pre or Post June 1 and the effects on Justin Tucker · 17:10 The Ravens Unrestricted Free Agents · 22:35 Why are the Ravens always up against the cap? · 26:55 Creating cap space for needs in free agency · 32:25 How much cap space could the Ravens realistically create? · 40:15 What to do with Mark Andrews? Isaiah Likely Be sure to check out Brian’s extremely thorough 2025 Ravens Salary Cap Preview here at RSR: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/02/10/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/2025-ravens-salary-cap-preview/ Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
The Ravens have some cap flexibility to make a splash signing but will they pull the trigger and if so, for whom? Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss some of the possibilities along with some of the recent signings and a significant pay cut for a critical player. Plus, they discuss the bargain signing of a key Ravens player who got away. It’s a real headscratcher. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
The Ravens have lost several players to free agency and one via trade, while adding another big name and re-signing a few of their own free agents. How has that impacted the Ravens salary cap situation? Can GM Eric DeCosta make more moves? Is a big splash possible? These questions and more are addressed in this episode of The Front Office. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Russell Street Report’s Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi review each of the Ravens pending free agents, assessing their respective roles on the team, salary cap impact and then determining which will stay and which will go. Buckle up your chin strap! Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Russell Street Report’s Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland address some wild rumors tied to the Ravens and they dive into a few interesting things shared by Eric DeCosta during his recent presser at the NFL Combine. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report discuss the case of Zay Flowers and the legal and league ramifications; the impact of the voidable option years from 2023 on the Ravens 2024 salary cap; why it seems unlikely that Kevin Zeitler will return to Baltimore; how does Nelson Agholor’s re-signing impact the cap; and ways that Tyus Bowser could still be a Raven. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland discuss the aftermath of Super Bowl 58, the Zay Flowers situation along with ways to create cap space to enable the Ravens to keep veterans like Kevin Zeitler and Justin Madubuike. What will happen with Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley and Marcus Williams. Plus we discuss why Monday, February 19 is an important date for the Baltimore Ravens. Topics discussed: Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Salary Cap and Contracts 2024 Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi, Brian McFarland and Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic discuss the Ravens offseason plans following the disappointing end to the Ravens once promising 2023 season. Topics discussed: Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Salary Cap and Contracts 2024 Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the Ravens current cap situation and what they can do to create space in order to be players at the trade deadline. Who are the most likely restructure candidates? Are void years an option? How will the team's all-in for 2023 approach affect the cap in 2024? This and more in this edition of The Front Office. Topics discussed: Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Salary Cap and Contracts 2023 Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
How will things play out with Lamar Jackson? What is the cap impact of a long-term deal v. the non-exclusive franchise tag? Can the Ravens still sign a FA WR or trade for one? What happens if Lamar sits out the season? Could he? These pressing questions and much more asked and answered. 01:00: Ravens current cap situation 02:36: Details on Justice Hill’s cap friendly deal 05:50: Recent cap savings transactions 08:31: Pros and cons of voidable options 13:24: How to create an additional $26M+ in cap space 16:17: Why the non-exclusive makes sense 21:55: Is Lamar caught in the crosshairs of collusion? 25:37: The deal currently on the table for Lamar 29:10: EDC, Lamar and the influence of the NFLPA 34:18: The value of an agent 38:28: Cap savings inherent in a long-term deal 40:10: A strategy to get that elusive No. 1 WR 44:50: Implications of the Franchise Tag 46:25: Could Lamar sit out the season? 48:48: Might Lamar sit out and if so what are the ramifications? Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report do a deep dive into the Ravens current cap situation. Here are the topics discussed along with time stamps: 0:00:00 Intro 0:00:45 The Domino Effect of Lamar Jackson 0:01:30 The Concept of Cash over Cap 0:04:00 Lamar’s Impact on Cash over Cap 0:08:20 BREAKING: The Salary Cap is Real! 0:13:00 Ravens Organizational Philosophy 0:14:45 Mahomes Deal for Lamar? 0:16:07 Does Spending Cash Equate to Winning? 0:19:40 The Pandemic Left Cap Scars 0:20:32 Saints: Big Spenders, Big Trouble & Voidable Years 0:28:37 How COVID Proved Costly to Lamar’s Rookie Deal 0:32:45 The Influence of DeMaurice Smith on Lamar 0:37:00 A Larry Bird Exemption for the NFL? 0:38:30 If Lamar Accepted the Ravens Offer 0:43:10 Bridging The Gap With Lamar 0:44:45 NFLPA Encourages Collusion 0:46:00 Non-exclusive v. Exclusive Tag 0:47:00 Why Wait to Apply the Franchise Tag 0:51:05 How Dak Prescott & The Cowboys Could Help The Ravens 0:53:14 Ravens Current Cap Situation 0:56:15 Potential Cap Casualties & Calais Campbell’s Status 1:01:25 Extension Candidates to Create Cap Space 1:06:00 How to Get Lamar’s Deal Done 1:09:20 Which Side Will Blink First? 1:13:00 Will Hurts, Burrow and/or Herbert Get a 100% GTD Deal? 1:15:10 Can Insurance Bridge the Gap? Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report take a dive into the complex contract situation that divides the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson, along with its variety of salary cap implications. Who could be cut to make away for Lamar, while improving the wide receiver room? The answers might surprise you! Topics discussed: Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Salary Cap and Contracts 2023 Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report discuss the new Roquan Smith contract with the Baltimore Ravens, its impact on the team's salary cap and how the signing affects the way they might deal with Lamar Jackson. Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the settlements reached between the Ravens and two former players, Derek Wolfe and Earl Thomas. What is the cap impact of each? Links mentioned in this episode: www.russellstreetreport.com http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport https://twitter.com/RussellStReport This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm