The Steelers can make a little history and tap into some more after they signed former Pitt punter Andy Lee to an offer sheet yesterday.

Lee, who spent his first three pro seasons punting for the San Francisco 49ers, can become the first restricted free agent acquired by the Steelers since the system began in 1993. Under NFL rules, the 49ers have until Tuesday to match the offer or waive that right and receive a sixth-round draft choice, which is what they used to draft Lee in 2003.

Length and terms of the deal were not available. The 49ers had tendered Lee a one-year, $850,000 qualifying offer.

If San Francisco lets the Steelers' contract stand, Lee not only would punt again in Heinz Field but would be reunited with his Pitt special teams coach.

New Steelers special teams coach Bob Ligashesky coached the Panthers' special teams from 2000 through 2003.

"It's a great organization and especially intriguing for Andy with the history there,'' said Lee's agent, Eddie Edwards Jr., a Plum native. "Very few punters get drafted. He had some great years in Heinz Field, and how often do you go back to the stadium you punted in during college?"

Lee, 24, became Pitt's punter as a true freshman in 2000 and is the only player to win the Big East special teams player of the year award twice. His 244 punts are a school record. He averaged 44.8 yards a punt last season, 36.8 net. It was by far his best season in three with San Francisco, which plays home games in Monster Park at Candlestick Point, where the winds are notoriously stiff and unpredictable.

"In my estimation, he punted in the most difficult stadium in the NFL," said Edwards, who has a Pittsburgh office. "In Monster Park, the wind is unreal. Look at his stats: He was seventh overall in the NFL [in gross average]. You put him in a stadium with a neutral weather pattern, he could have been tops."

Edwards said he does not know if the 49ers will match the offer and that Lee was not unhappy in San Francisco other than not being able to reach a long-term contract before he became a restricted free agent March 2. The 49ers have changed special teams coaches this year.

"San Francisco is not displeased with his performance. It was based upon the uncertainty with a new guy coming in and how he fit in with the system. As of right now, I haven't heard back from the 49ers. I don't know what they'll do."

The Steelers hope Lee will replace Chris Gardocki, 37, their punter the past three seasons who is due a $1 million salary in 2007.