Mason, 35, has been the team's only dependable receiver, leading the Ravens in catches for three of his four seasons with them.

He is entering the final year of his five-year, $20 million contract. His agent has approached the Ravens about a new contract, according to Mason.

--The Ravens will formally announce Ray Lewis' seven-year, $44.5 million contract at a news conference on March 19.

According to the NFL Players Association, the Pro Bowl middle linebacker officially signed his contract Monday.

Because Lewis turns 34 before the season, the Ravens probably are looking at this as a three-year deal, but they are spreading the prorated bonuses over seven seasons. In the first three years of the contract, Lewis would earn $22 million, as was reported last week.

On February 27, Lewis became a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career. Five days later, the 10-time Pro Bowler agreed to terms with the Ravens on a new deal.

--The Ravens will visit University of Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey on March 23. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will throw passes to him.

--Cornerback Jarrett Bush recently visited the Ravens. A restricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers, Bush is regarded as a strong special teams player who can provide depth at cornerback and safety.

If the Ravens sign him to an offer sheet, Green Bay has the right to match the deal. If the Packers don't, the Ravens do not have to give up any draft picks as compensation because Bush was an undrafted player and was given the low tender.

The Ravens are looking for a second-tier cornerback to fill the void left by the departure of free agent Corey Ivy.

--The Ravens' 2009 home opponents are: the three AFC North teams (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland), Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Kansas City and Indianapolis. Their road opponents are: the three AFC North teams (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland), Green Bay, Minnesota, San Diego, Oakland and New England.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "At this point, I'm not going to hang up the cleats. Emotionally and financially, could I? Sure. Is it something I am going to do? I don't think so yet. I'm going to let it play itself out." - Matt Stover, a 41-year-old kicker, on whether he plans to retire.