Word on the Street: A Baltimore Sports Short Podcast
About
Available on
Community
573 episodes
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.
