Unrestricted

QB.....Charlie Batch

With Tommy Maddox as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger, Batch will not want to ..........return as a third-string quarterback. He will look for a backup job elsewhere.

S.....Ainsley Battles

Made the team, then went on injured reserve and may not be back.

LB.....Kendrell Bell

Might not receive an offer before March 2 from the Steelers. The only scenario in which he would return is if no one else makes him a large offer.

OT.....Barrett Brooks

Veteran backup who hardly played. Could return later in the year at the minimum if the Steelers do not find another backup tackle and he does not sign elsewhere.

WR.....Plaxico Burress

Likely to take a big offer from another team. Baltimore and Chicago are said to be interested.

S.....Tyrone Carter

Added to the roster during the season because of injuries and is unlikely to return.

DT.....Kendrick Clancy

Re-signed as their backup nose tackle when Casey Hampton was injured. Chris Hoke will return to backing up Hampton and Clancy won't be re-signed.

TE.....Matt Cushing

Valuable as their backup fullback and a blocking tight end, and might return for the minimum.

TE.....Walter Rasby

Late addition when Jay Riemersma was injured. The Steelers are not likely to pursue him.

OT.....Oliver Ross

Did a good job at right tackle but the Steelers will promote Max Starks to start and Ross will pursue other offers.

OG.....Keydrick Vincent

Played well enough as a replacement for injured Kendall Simmons that he should field some top offers as a free agent and won't be back.

CB.....Willie Williams

Could return in the same role to which he was assigned at the start of last season, as a veteran presence in their secondary, provided the team can get him for the minimum.

Restricted

LB.....Larry Foote

Started every game for injured Kendrell Bell and proved to be a capable NFL starter at inside linebacker. They want to keep him.

RB.....Verron Haynes

Value will increase if Jerome Bettis retires.

FS.....Chris Hope

Must be retained after one full season as their starter.

DE.....Brett Keisel

Underrated backup and good special teams player.

WR.....Lee Mays

Could become the Steelers' No. 3 receiver if they do not find another to replace Plaxico Burress.

K.....Jeff Reed

Must be kept. He was not drafted and, therefore, another team could sign him without having to compensate the Steelers.

Exclusive rights

WR.....Sean Morey

Strictly a special teams player.

DB.....Russell Stuvaints

Played a lot in their dime defense last year.