Though the Ravens and linebacker Ray Lewis are miles apart in their effort to reach a new deal that would replace a contract that expires after the 2008 season, Lewis says that the lack of an agreement won’t affect his performance.

“That stuff is irrelevant for what we’re trying to do right now,” Lewis said, according to the Carroll County Times.  “The bottom line is whatever we’re trying to do as a team, that’s the focus.  If we keep that team concept there, then that team concept stays there.

“If you start talking about individual, that means nothing.  Everybody knows this is a business and everything will take care of itself.  I’m just excited to be back playing football again.

“I see myself getting ready for the next practice, and I see myself getting ready for the season.  Like I said, once you start to get on that side of things, you lose your passion about why you play this game.”

The Ravens currently are gathered for a mandatory minicamp, in which Lewis is fully participating.

Lewis has played for the franchise since 1996, their first year as the Baltimore Ravens.  If a new agreement isn’t reached by next March, Lewis will become an unrestricted free agent, for the first time in his career.