The Front Office – Details, episodes & analysis

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?

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

How has the Ravens offseason gone so far? Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic joins Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland. Among the topics discussed:

• Is the Ravens alleged interest in Melvin Gordon genuine? • The unnecessary redundancy of the cash over cap noise • The ramifications on the Ravens of the Deshaun Watson contract • Jeff's biggest takeaways from his sit-down with Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti • The latest on Ronnie Stanley’s recovery • Ja’Wuan James...will he make a difference in 2022? • Will Patrick Mekari be the Ravens' starting center this season? • Are Additional moves in free agency expected?

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

With the injury to Patrick Mekari the Ravens may have no choice but to go out and acquire a tackle but with very limited cap space and few options to create more, finding the right fit will be a challenge for Eric DeCosta. What about the RB corps? The Ravens need to bolster their ground game. Is there a player that fits the Ravens financially and schematically. Russell Street Report's Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi explore in this edition 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

During the summer of 2015, Tony Lombardi met with Steve Bisciotti to discuss many Ravens-related topics including: how he became the owner; two other franchises he considered buying; the challenges of firing of Brian Billick and the hiring of John Harbaugh; the future of M&T Bank Stadium; and his future with the team.

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

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

The Ravens have made some recent additions to their offensive line in the forms of Brandon Knight and James Carpenter. What is the cap impact of these signings? Will Ronnie Stanley go on IR and if so what does it mean? What if he retires? How does that impact the cap? Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the possibilities in 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

Among this episode's topics:

• Why a 1-year deal for Bobby Wagner will be a challenge for the Ravens
• The cap impact of recent signings
• The Ravens must do some restructuring even if they make no new FA acquisitions
• Things point towards Patrick Mekari being the Ravens starting C.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• www.russellstreetreport.com
• http://instagram.com/russellstreetreport
• https://twitter.com/RussellStReport

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm