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. The • 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 Ju...
Mar 23, 2025•58 min
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 situa...
Mar 19, 2025•53 min
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, they 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 Mar...
Mar 13, 2025•53 min
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
Mar 05, 2025•55 min
#RavensFlock continues to grow. Today we meet up with Tiffany Hanyen from a Chicago-based club called The Nest of the Midwest. Tiffany shares how they started and what they're up to these days. And if you plan on attending the Orioles at Cubs in August, hit her up. Their Facebook page is Ravens Club of Chicago.
Mar 05, 2025•18 min
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.
Feb 28, 2025•37 min
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 nee...
Feb 20, 2025•46 min
Join Nikhil Mehta and Daniel Rotter on the debut episode of Baltimore Birdwatchers, recapping the first half of the Orioles' season and making our predictions for the second half.
Jul 24, 2024•47 min
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.
Mar 20, 2024•40 min
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!
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min
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.
Feb 29, 2024•54 min
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.
Feb 21, 2024•33 min
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.
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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.
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the Ravens current cap situation and what they can do to create space. 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.
Sep 06, 2023•46 min
Russell Street Report NFL scouting expert James Ogden joins Nikhil Mehta to break down the Baltimore Ravens' 2023 draft class! The duo explain why they're excited for Zay Flowers to join the offense, what Trenton Simpson's role could be in Mike Macdonald's defense, and praise the Ravens' shrewd selection of Andrew Vorhees. Plus, James offers his favorite non-Ravens draft classes and Nikhil gushes about the Ravens' drafting Kyu Blu Kelly.
May 15, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Jared Pinder returns to RSReplay to break down potential Day 3 draft targets with Nikhil Mehta. The duo highlight a number of players that could end up in Baltimore and give their picks for their favorite late-round would-be Ravens, including a few quarterbacks to back up Lamar Jackson.
Apr 28, 2023•46 min
The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and Nikhil Mehta and Zachary Siegel are here to break it all down! First, we talk about the trade-heavy top-10 before taking a long, doubtful look at the picks leading up to the Ravens' selection. Spoiler alert: that's Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers, who Nikhil and Zach both love for Baltimore's new-look offense under Todd Monken. Check out the full podcast to find out why Flowers could take the passing attack to a new level and ho...
Apr 28, 2023•30 min
Nikhil Mehta is joined by Kevin McNelis to break down the Ravens' potential Round 1 picks (or trades!) in the 2023 draft. The DeAndre Hopkins rumors are addressed, too, before Nikhil and Kevin go through the RSR Roundtable Rankings for each position on Day 1.
Apr 27, 2023•44 min
There has been plenty of speculation as to why Lamar Jackson did not travel. Today we reveal the "truth" about what didn't happen. The Ravens haven't had much luck lately but could some be coming their way in the form of a player named Luck?
Apr 01, 2023•3 min
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the pros and cons for players and owners of an archaic rule implemented and still enforced by the NFL owners -- "The Funding Rule". Plus an update on Lamar Jackson and what we can expect moving forward. Is a 3-year, $153M fully guaranteed contract the way to go for LJ?
Mar 30, 2023•24 min
Lamar Jackson once played with boyish charm and a love for the game. Today, without a long-term contract that youthful exuberance has vanished and so too may Lamar from Baltimore.
Mar 22, 2023•2 min
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 c...
Mar 16, 2023•52 min
Tragically and suddenly on March 5, 2023, the brotherhood of Archbishop Curley High School lost a legend, Coach Dan Popera. Dan had an insatiable passion for sports, was a HUGE Ravens fan and just an all-around terrific guy. He is survived by his wife Kate and daughters Beth and Karen – an awesome family, a host of great friends and of course, hundreds of students upon which he left an indelible mark. Joining me to discuss this Curley Hall of Famer and Hall of Fame man in this special edition of...
Mar 07, 2023•37 min
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 ...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Jeff Zrebiec joins Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report and the two cover a wide range of topics including Jeff's days on the Orioles beat; a nostalgic look at Super Bowls 35 and 47; the contract status of Lamar Jackson; the challenging offseason ahead; the Ravens next offensive coordinator and more. This Word on the Street has been brought to you by Caesar's Maryland. Download the Caesars app today using Caesars promo code RUSSELLPICS which will provide Maryland bettors with a $1,500 first ...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report take a deep 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 way for Lamar while improving the wide receiver room? The answers might surprise you.
Jan 28, 2023•1 hr 28 min
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.
Jan 12, 2023•36 min
It was another day won by the defense at Ravens training camp, as Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe bring you highlights of August 16's action with injury updates and a look at Baltimore's deep secondary.
Aug 17, 2022•25 min
Nikhil Mehta and Chris Schisler break down another day of action at Ravens training camp with analysis of the wide receiver battle and excitement for Mike Macdonald's versatile, dangerous defense.
Aug 15, 2022•22 min
