By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Free agency doesn't begin until Friday, but the Bengals are getting a jump by talking to players who are available now.Former Ravens and Texans kick returner Jermaine Lewis and Bengals fullback Lorenzo Neal and linebacker Takeo Spikes are the targets.

The Bengals had a short conversation Tuesday with Spikes' agent, Todd France, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said he fully expects Spikes to test the market. Contracts expire overnight Thursday.

"It's at the point where that's best for him," Lewis said of Spikes, who was designated the team's transition player two weeks ago. The Bengals have the opportunity to match any offer sheet Spikes would receive in free agency.

France did not return a phone message Tuesday.

Lewis also said the Bengals and Neal's agent, Jim Steiner, exchanged offers and are trying to "meet in the middle."

Neal, the Bengals' only Pro Bowl player after the 2002 season, had a change of mind about returning to the Bengals after Lewis was hired.

The respect is mutual.

"He's a punishing fullback," Lewis said. "He's a tempo-setter. He's a pro. He does a good job in the locker room."

Steiner was returning to his St. Louis office Tuesday and did not return two phone messages.

Jermaine Lewis and Marvin Lewis were together in Baltimore for six seasons.

Jermaine Lewis' agent, Ken Landphere, said Tuesday that he and Bengals officials have had "introductory" discussions and that the team is interested in his client.

Jermaine Lewis, released last week by Houston, spent the first six years of his career in Baltimore, where Marvin Lewis was defensive coordinator.

"We could have interest in Jermaine," Marvin Lewis said. "Obviously, he was at the top of the league as a returner. He does a great job of changing field position. He has great vertical speed and would be a valuable wide receiver."

The 5-foot-7 Lewis has 28 career receptions for a 6.2-yard average. His possible acquisition would not preclude the Bengals from pursuing another wide receiver in the draft or free agency, Marvin Lewis said.

Jermaine Lewis, 28, a two-time Pro Bowl return man with the Ravens, slumped slightly last season with the Texans. Acquired in the expansion draft, Lewis averaged 20.9 yards on 46 kickoff returns and 7.8 yards on 36 punt returns. He has six career punt returns for touchdowns, all with the Ravens. He had a career-high 16.1-yard punt return average and two touchdowns with the Ravens in 2000.

Punt returns were one of the Bengals' weakest areas in 2002.

They finished second to last with a 4.7-yard average on 28 returns.

Wide receiver Peter Warrick had only four returns and lost the job after a costly fumble at the 5-yard line at Indianapolis.

Marvin Lewis said Warrick would have the opportunity to win the job back.

"Everybody has a chance to compete," Lewis said. "Peter obviously has the physical ability, and it's our job to help him get better."

Warrick, reached by phone Tuesday, said he has yet to talk directly to Lewis but has had discussions with wide receivers coach Alex Wood.

"I'm looking forward to having a great year," Warrick said.

The Bengals also are not expected to pursue former Bengals cornerback Ashley Ambrose, who was released last week by the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bengals apparently do not have much interest in Packers defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who will be an unrestricted free agent Friday.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com