Explore every episode of the podcast The Front Office
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Funding Rule: How it Affects The NFL | 31 Mar 2023 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens Salary Cap Update: The Continuing Saga of Lamar Jackson | 16 Mar 2023 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Assessing The Ravens Offseason So Far | 14 Apr 2022 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Is Eric DeCosta Setting up a Splash Signing? | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:39:53 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens Wheeling and Dealing at The Deadline | 27 Oct 2021 | 00:31:46 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Interview With Steve Bisciotti | 01 Apr 2022 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Assessing the Ravens Offseason to Date | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:58:34 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Free Agency Frenzy & The Impact on the Baltimore Ravens | 14 Mar 2024 | 01:22:58 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Cap Impact of New Signings | 19 Oct 2021 | 00:14:44 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Challenges of Signing Bobby Wagner | 30 Mar 2022 | ||
Among this episode's topics:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens Free Agency Update | 23 Mar 2022 | ||
The curious pass on Bradley Bozeman. What happened? Behind the scenes with the Za’Darius Smith rejection and ultimate signing with the Vikings…Why Marcus Williams and Morgan Moses represent great value…Why the Ravens are likely to STILL be players in free agency and who might be next. Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens Go “All-in”, plus the Uncertain Future of Tyler Linderbaum | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:53:14 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Costs of Going All-In | 27 Feb 2023 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Week 7 | 19 Oct 2021 | 00:24:01 | |
Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report discuss:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Quintessential Ravens 2024 Free Agent Preview | 08 Mar 2024 | 01:13:21 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Jerry Maguire Part II (The Life of an NFL Agent) | 17 Mar 2022 | ||
NFL super agent Lee Steinberg had a cameo appearance in the original Hollywood blockbuster. In this episode, we visit with Derek Hawkridge, a real life Jerry Maguire-like agent from Steinberg Sports & Entertainment. Among the things discussed: Topics Discussed:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Can the Ravens Now be Free Agent Spenders? | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:53:18 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Week 6 | 15 Oct 2021 | 00:23:27 | |
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| All These Rumors | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:53:34 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Free Agent Agreements & The Ravens Current Cap Situation | 16 Mar 2022 | ||
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report discuss the Ravens signing of Marcus Williams and its impact on the team's cap situation. Is there room for another splash signing? How do the Ravens compare to other teams with cap management? We answer a question that comes up often: "Why are the Ravens always up against the cap?" This podcast is intended for the discerning and intelligent Ravens fan. Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Countdown to the New League Year | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:54:36 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens Go Into The Void | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:32:37 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Episode 3 - Salary Caps | 17 Sep 2021 | 00:31:51 | |
This week, Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland break down the salary cap impact of recent personneo moves by the Baltimore Ravens Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Curious Case of Lamar Jackson | 28 Jan 2023 | ||
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:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| How to Create Cap Space in Baltimore | 15 Feb 2024 | 01:02:35 | |
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:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Tackling Tough Decisions | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:36:56 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Ravens vs The Raiders | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:31:40 | |
This week, Tony Lombardi and friends discuss what the Ravens are looking like heading into Week 1 vs the Raiders. Topics discussed:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| How Does The Aaron Rodgers Contract Affect Lamar Jackson? | 10 Mar 2022 | ||
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss how Rodgers' new deal with the Packers could impact the Ravens negotiations with Lamar Jackson. The blockbuster deal for Russell Wilson also could affect the Ravens. Can or will the Ravens go "all-in" in 2022 to win a 3rd Lombardi? Plus the latest on the Ravens dwindling cap resources. Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Front Office: Ravens Salary Cap Preview 2025 | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:46:25 | |
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Tough Decisions Loom For The Ravens | 08 Feb 2024 | 01:34:52 | |
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:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Spending to the Cap Has Consequences | 07 Sep 2023 | ||
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:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| How Much Cap Space Can The Ravens Create? | 03 Mar 2022 | ||
Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report dissect the Ravens roster to uncover all of the available moves that GM Eric DeCosta can make to create cap space prior to the new league year which begins on March 16, 2022. Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Pilot | 20 Jul 2021 | 00:28:44 | |
This week, Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland cover all things new in Baltimore. Topics discussed:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| The Roquan Smith Deal | 12 Jan 2023 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Derek Wolfe and Earl Thomas Settlements | 01 Jul 2022 | ||
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:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Marquise Brown & Potential Post-Draft Roster Moves | 12 May 2022 | ||
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 Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| What Free Agents Will Stay, Which Will Go? | 13 Jan 2022 | ||
Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic joins Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report. Among the topics discussed:
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| From Professional Athletes to Weekend Warriors: CBD Products THAT WORK! | 27 Apr 2022 | ||
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! Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||
| Why Lamar’s Deal Didn’t Happen | 12 Jan 2022 | ||
Links mentioned in this episode:
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm | |||