The Bengals' top priority in free agency is to re-sign two of their own unrestricted free agents, cornerback Artrell Hawkins and pass-rushing defensive end Reinard Wilson.

        But that plan grew more complicated Thursday when Hawkins received an offer from his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. He will be in Oakland today to talk with Raiders officials. Wilson has visited Minnesota and Indianapolis.

        Since going 0-for-2 in attempts to sign quarterbacks Trent Dilfer and Elvis Grbac, the Bengals have made proposals/offers to Kansas City kicker Todd Peterson, Jacksonville defensive end Renaldo Wynn and Chicago cornerback Walt Harris.

        They're far apart financially in all three cases.

        “The market isn't what it was last year,” Bengals scout Jim Lippincott said Thursday. “Even teams with a lot of (salary) cap room — Minnesota, Arizona, Houston — aren't making big deals.”

        The Bengals are in the top 10 of NFL teams with the most cap room. They are an estimated $8.2million under the cap.

        The Bengals are one of six teams to offer on Wynn's services. About the same number have made proposals to Peterson.

        Lippincott identified cornerback as the Bengals' position of greatest need. They'd like to re-sign Hawkins, the four-year pro from the University of Cincinnati, and another free agent — primarily Harris. But Harris' agent Brian Levy said the Bengals offer was too low, and they apparently have moved on to other teams.

        There's hope Bengals starting cornerback Rodney Heath can return from a badly torn hamstring that required surgery, but the club can't count on him being healthy.

        And because the club is far apart with Harris, it plans to entertain Indianapolis free agent cornerback Jeff Burris late next week. Burris, who had 54 tackles and three interceptions last season, almost signed with the Bengals the last time he was a free agent.

        The Bengals entertained former Colts tight end Ken Dilger on Thursday, but he left without an offer.

        “There's mutual interest there,” said Bengals scout Duke Tobin, a former college teammate of Dilger's at Illinois, who is handling the negotiations.

        Another free agent tight end, San Diego's Freddie Jones, will visit today.

        GOOD DEED: Middle linebacker Brian Simmons will serve as honorary chairman for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky WalkAmerica 2002 on April 28. The walk benefits the March of Dimes. Simmons will be on hand to start the walk and greet walkers as they walk through Paul Brown Stadium.

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