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Associates and friends close to Lewis have said that he doesn't want to play in Baltimore for the 2006 season, but Newsome said the linebacker hasn't informed the team of any such intention.

Newsome, though, did admit that Lewis had a recent meeting with team owner Steve Bisciotti in Florida, and said Lewis asked to be traded before the start of the 2005 season. Lewis, a seven-time Pro Bowl performer, went into a self-imposed isolation from the team last season after the Ravens declined to restructure his contract, which still has three years left.

He no longer wanted to be the face of the team, and it has become clear to everyone, except Newsome, that Lewis wants out. League sources have said the Ravens were sending out "feelers" in a possible trade for Lewis, but they haven't gotten more than a second- round draft pick in exchange (note to Ravens: Take it and run).

A team source said Lewis discussed his contract situation with Bisciotti, among other things.

"I was not informed that the issue of the contract came up as a part of that meeting," Newsome said. "Through the years, a number of players have approached me about being traded. That's not unusual. Ray is under contract, and we gave him that contract to retire as a Raven."