Listen in as analysts discuss their teams on The Fanimal Radio Network. Shows include the Russell Street Report, the Armchair Quarterback, the Ryan Odom UMBC Basketball Report, the Word on the Street, & more!
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 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 FYI: The Athletic is offering their subscripti on for $1 per month for the first year.
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 Images courtesy of The Baltimore Ravens
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 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!
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
#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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 how the Ravens could approach the rest of the offseason.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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 Word on the Street, are three of Archbishop Curley's finest, all of whom played for Coach Popera at Curley: Bob Dillon, Bob Jones and Mario Scilipoti. We reminisce about Dan's prowess, intensity and passion that he displayed as a teacher, a coach and perhaps most importantly as a man who loved his family, friends, players and students. It is with great pride that we present some of our memories of a man who we will all sorely miss.
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?
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 bet for the Super Bowl or any other game this week. Any losses will be met with an immediate refund via a bet credit. AND even if you bet less than $100 on your first wager, you'll still receive $100 in bet credit!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nikhil Mehta recaps the Ravens' August 13 practice, featuring a few familiar names at wide receiver and the standout defensive line.
A look back on the Ravens final practice open to the media before their preseason contest v. Tennessee. It was a day won by the defense. Plus, as the Ravens prepare for their first preseason contest at M&T Bank Stadium, here are a few things to look for during the game and a few things that you shouldn't get overly concerned about during these fake games.
By this point during training camp the Ravens are champing at the bit to compete against someone other than their own teammates. What will you be looking for from the team on Thursday against the Titans. Tony Lombardi and Chris Schisler share their thoughts on who they'll be focusing on when the lights of Preseason Game 1 at M&T Bank Stadium turn on.
James Proche keeps stacking practices as fellow WR's Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman sit out. How did the day go for Pro? A Ravens rookie continues to step up and for most he probably wasn't the most Likely choice. Another rookie has a pick 6. All of the details in this energetic discussion between RSR's Nikhil Mehta and Tony Lombardi
The dreaded injury bug bit down on the Ravens yesterday as LB Vince Biegel fell to a season-ending Achilles injury. Tyler Linderbaum also failed to finish practice although his injury isn't believed to be serious. Injuries aside, there was some progress made by some of the young players on the roster. Tony Lombardi, Chris Schisler and Nikhil Mehta from Russell Street Report discuss.
It was a hot day in Owings Mills and despite a fully-padded practice with plenty of physicality, the Ravens toughed out a 2 1/2 hour practice session with grit and energy. These Camp Notes are for the most discerning members of Ravens Flock. They drill down on both sides of the ball with "an almost disturbing obsession" ~ per Baltimore Magazine. Thanks for listening!
After donning pads during Day 5 the Ravens competed in shells today, the second consecutive day during which the defense had the advantage. The Play of The Day was delivered by a veteran safety; drops from key receivers continued for the second consecutive day and two behemoth linemen go at it. This and more from Training Camp Day 6.
For Day 4 of Training Camp 2022 the Ravens hosted over 26,000 fans at M&T Bank Stadium. Those in attendance were treated to fireworks both on and off the field.
Day 3 was the most upbeat practice so far during Ravens training camp and the offensive leaders stepped up. Included in this podcast: • The Studs & Duds • What's up with Ben Cleveland? • Could the Ravens possibly keep 5 tight ends? • A couple of INT's – one a Pick 6. Who got them? Who delivered them? • Plus a couple of rookies impress and more…
Day 2 of Ravens Training Camp 2022 featured more back-shoulder throws and a 55-yard scoring strike from Lamar Jackson to Isaiah Likely. Plus the studs and duds from today's action and more!
Day 1 of Training Camp 2022 is in the books for the Ravens and perhaps the best takeaway from today's session is that no one was injured. Other than that it was a slow-paced practice that looked like a very methodical ramp up for the long-run. In other words, it was very uneventful. However there were a few highlights and lowlights as RSR's Tony Lombardi describes in detail (Listening Time 9 minutes)
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?
Tony Lombardi visits with Todd Karpovich who was on hand for Ravens OTA's on June 1. Among the topics discussed: Greg Roman's concerns about Lamar Jackson's absence; the offensive and defensive standouts plus a few edge defenders that could be sleepers in 2022.
January 7, 2001, a day that featured an embarrassing offensive performance by Trent Dilfer and the Baltimore Ravens during the Divisional Playoff Game. Despite the ineptitude, despite the Titans decided advantage aided in large part by a stolen playbook, the Ravens won anyway. Recently the perpetrator of the stolen playbook was revealed.
Nikhil Mehta is joined by Pro Football Focus research and development intern Tej Seth to break down the Ravens' offseason activity and preview their 2022 season. Tune in to hear why Tej loves Baltimore's draft class and how he thinks they'll do this season!
Super Bowl XXXV wasn't any ordinary Super Bowl for Baltimore. It was a red letter day and it could be argued that Super Bowl 35 was a greater accomplishment for a scarred city, than any of the Baltimore Colts championships.
Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe are joined by Baltimore Ravens undrafted rookie Shemar Bridges for an exciting exclusive interview! The former Fort Valley State wide receiver opens up about his journey to Baltimore, family connection to the Ravens and how it feels to make the NFL!
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report discuss several Ravens-related topics including: • The Marquise Brown Trade • A rarely but cleverly used tool employed by the Ravens • The signing of RB Mike Davis • Jarvis Landry to Baltimore rumors and potential costs • A potential Chuck Clark trade • Ravens current "effective" cap space • Overall thoughts on the Ravens 2022 Draft Class
Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe are back for a recap of the 2022 NFL Draft, with guest Richie Bradshaw joining to break down the Ravens' exciting class and rate the best and worst drafts around the league.
From Professional Athletes to Weekend Warriors: CBD Products THAT WORK! Pain management is crucial to survival in the NFL. Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report visits with Dr. James Baumgartner from Panacea Life Sciences, a leader in CBD-based products. Dr. Baumgartner goes into detail about why CBD products are so beneficial, non-addictive and less expensive than Big Pharma products and over-the-counter meds WITHOUT the side effects. Panacea is offering our listeners a 30% discount by using discount code RSR at checkout when visiting PanaceaLife.com. If you have questions, please call 1-800-985-0515. Oh, and one last thing. They have amazing products for ailing pets!
Tune in for a pre-draft double episode of RSReplay with Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe, first with a breakdown of everything offensive line with Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB). Then, Ron and Michael Natelli (@mike_drafts)face off in another Mock Draft Duel to put together the best 2022 draft class for the Ravens.
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