The Steelers took their first free agency steps of 2004 yesterday when they mailed contract tender offers to all six of their restricted free agents.

Each of the six players received the same one-year tender of $628,000, the lowest of three different contracts each team can offer in order to maintain the rights to their restricted free agents.

The Steelers sent the tenders by registered mail to center Chukky Okobi, guard Keydrick Vincent, defensive end Rodney Bailey, offensive tackle Mathias Nkwenti, defensive tackle Chris Hoke and cornerback/special teams player Chidi Iwuoma.

All players credited with three seasons of experience become restricted free agents when their contracts expire. By sending the one-year contract tenders, the Steelers retain the right to match a contract the players might sign with another team. If the Steelers decline to match such an offer, they would receive a 2004 draft pick in the same round in which the player was chosen. Okobi would bring a fifth-round pick, Bailey a sixth-rounder and Nkwenti a fourth-rounder. Vincent, Hoke and Iwuoma would not require compensation because they entered the NFL as rookie free agents.

The six players have until April 16 to sign an offer sheet with another team. After that, the Steelers own their exclusive rights.

Kevin Colbert, the team's director of football operations, said yesterday the Steelers are negotiating with their players who would become free agents -- restricted and unrestricted -- next Wednesday unless they sign before then.

Among those involved in talks for long-term contracts are four unrestricted free agents: safety Mike Logan, fullback Dan Kreider, linebacker Clark Haggans and long-snapper Mike Schneck. They've also talked to Okobi about a long-term deal.

"We're in discussion with some of our guys at this point," said Colbert, scheduled to leave today to watch the University of Miami's workout day for prospects.

The Steelers already reworked the contracts of tackle Marvel Smith and linebacker Joey Porter to create room under the salary cap. They're also negotiating to reduce the salary of running back Jerome Bettis.

Others who will become unrestricted free agents next Wednesday are defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy, tight end Matt Cushing, wide receiver Chris Doering and offensive tackle Barrett Brooks. The Steelers will release cornerback Dewayne Washington and tight end Mark Bruener, making them unrestricted free agents, and might release running back Amos Zereoue.

Players can become unrestricted free agents after four accredited seasons in the NFL. Their teams do not retain the right to match offers and receive no compensation if they sign elsewhere, other than a possible NFL compensatory draft pick the following year.