Word on the Street: A Baltimore Sports Short Podcast

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.