In a world without a salary cap, the Ravens could envision signing a big-name veteran like James Stewart or Dorsey Levens to be their backup running back.

But in the reality of cap jail, they likely will rely on one of two rookies - Chester Taylor or Tellis Redmon - as their insurance policy behind rehabbing star Jamal Lewis.

The Ravens cannot make a ripple in a growing free-agent pool until they create additional cap room by restructuring the contracts of Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware. The negotiations to extend the linebackers' deals remain at a standstill and are likely to linger into next month.

Dragged-out talks would hit the Ravens hardest at running back. The Ravens have placed an emphasis on upgrading their depth there after watching their big-play ability disappear after Lewis went down with a season-ending knee injury last year in training camp.

But heading into the final two weeks of off-season workouts, the team probably will hand off the No. 2 running back job to Taylor, a sixth-round pick, or Redmon, an undrafted free agent.

"The fact that your starter is coming off a major injury, certainly you would like to have a veteran presence there," coach Brian Billick said after the Ravens' first day of passing camp yesterday. "But I can only deal so long in fantasy and wishes and hopes. At some point, it is what it is.

"Are we young at the backup running back position? You'd better believe it. Is that going to change? Probably not."

Taylor, the 207th overall selection in the draft, finished seventh in the nation in rushing last season, gaining 1,492 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns at Toledo. He has been impressive in off-season drills, showing off his vision and patience when hitting holes.

Redmon was not drafted after leaving Minnesota after his junior season but has caught the coaching staff's eye. Some have compared his quickness to that of former Raven Priest Holmes, who led the NFL in rushing last year, but Redmon may have better finishing speed.

"I think it's important that we show a little more big-play ability at the position," running backs coach Matt Simon said. "We really missed that last year. We had steady performances from Terry Allen and the group last year, but we'd like to get a few more explosions."

The running backs group became quicker yet less experienced with last week's release of Jason Brookins, whose weight and other off-field problems prompted his dismissal. It also opened an unexpected chance at immediate playing time for Taylor or Redmon.

"We know we all got the opportunity," Taylor said. "It's up for grabs right now. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Said Redmon: "We have to go out there and fight for the job. Whoever gets the job, that's the best man. So, I guess we can feed off of that to motivate us and work harder."

Although the Ravens are locked out of the market, they have expressed an interest in Levens, Stewart, Ki-Jana Carter and Jamal Anderson if cap room became available.

The team has contacted the agent of Levens, a free agent from the Green Bay Packers, but has not scheduled a workout. Levens led the Packers in rushing in 1997 (1,435 yards) and 1999 (1,034) but injuries limited him to four starts in 1998 and five in 2000, when he lost his starting job to Ahman Green.

Another intriguing possibility is Stewart, who is attempting to renegotiate his contract with the Detroit Lions and could get cut over the next couple weeks if talks fail. Anderson, however, joined the free-agent market yesterday when he was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

One other free agent mentioned around the Ravens' complex is Carter, the first overall pick of the 1995 draft who was a backup for the Washington Redskins last year. The Ravens, though, have not yet initiated talks with Carter's agent.

"There are going to be people out there that could help this football team become a playoff football team," Billick said. "And every day that we can't do anything about it, yeah, there is a certain level of frustration."