The Steelers are negotiating with linebacker James Harrison, the NFL defensive player of the year, to extend his contract that has one season to go. They have not started negotiating with their free agents yet, but will do so shortly.

Among those UFAs they would like to keep are CB Bryant McFadden, WR Nate Washington, OT Max Starks, G Chris Kemoeatu, T Marvel Smith and T Trai Essex.

TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS

1. Offensive linemen: They have five free agents in their line, four UFAs and one RFA, including their top four tackles. And the line was not good to begin with.

2. Defensive linemen: Their starting three are strong, but they're all over 30, as are five of their top six defensive linemen. They need some youth.

3. Defensive backs: Depth at safety and cornerback are an issue, and they could use someone to push for a starting job at corner, especially if they lose Bryant McFadden to free agency.

MEDICAL WATCH: WR Hines Ward had shoulder "clean-up" surgery this week and should be ready for 2009.

--Other possible surgeries are pending. RB Rashard Mendenhall's broken shoulder has healed and he's in the process of adding weights to his lifting routing. G Kendall Simmons (Achilles tendon tear) and punter Daniel Sepulveda (ACL tear) are rehabbing.

--QB Charlie Batch (broken collarbone) long ago healed.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--QB Charlie Batch wants to return as Ben Roethlisberger's backup. The team wants him back.

--P Mitch Berger was terrible and will not receive an offer because Daniel Sepulveda will return from injury.

--CB Fernando Bryant was signed for depth during the season, his 10th, and likely will not re-sign.

--OT Trai Essex served as the top backup at tackle and guard and could start if he stays and Max Starks and Marvel Smith leave.

--LB Keyaron Fox was a valuable special teams player they would like to re-sign.

--LB Andre Frazier played mostly on special teams and would be a low priority.

--G Chris Kemoeatu was so-so in his first season as a starter. They would like to keep him but won't break the bank.

--QB Byron Leftwich did a nice job and is now ready to compete somewhere else to start.

--CB Bryant McFadden started on the left side. One of their top priorities to re-sign but his price might be too steep.

--OT Marvel Smith, their longtime starter on the left side, played only the first five games and then had his second back surgery in one calendar year. He should receive an offer before FA begins.

--DE Orpheus Roye completed his 13th season by mainly being inactive on game day and he likely will not be re-signed.

--OT Max Starks replaced Smith and did a nice job. Former two-year starter on the right. He'll receive a decent offer but may look elsewhere.

--WR Nate Washington was their main deep threat during the season and No. 3 receiver who would be hard to replace.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OT Willie Colon, their starter on the right the past two seasons will receive a high tender.

--LB Arnold Harrison was on injured reserve with a torn ACL, and also is a low priority but might re-sign.

--CB Anthony Madison was one of their best special teams players and they will issue him a tender.

--FB Sean McHugh, listed as a tight end, became more valuable as a blocker in the backfield as the season proceeded.

--S Anthony Smith was inactive for the post-season but could receive low tender as a third-round pick.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--TE Jon Dekker was on injured reserve.

--OT Jason Capizzi was on 53-man roster late in the season and will be kept.

--G Jeremy Parquet was a backup who played little. He might not be tendered.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--RB Stefan Logan: FA CFL; terms unknown.

--WR Brandon Williams: FA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST: None.