The Associated Press

With a pair of important deadlines approaching and the Steelers engaged in no active trade talks involving Kordell Stewart, it appears Pittsburgh will release its former starting quarterback on or about Feb.28.

That date is the start of the free agent signing period and when the 2003 salary cap goes into effect. With this year's cap set at $75 million, the Steelers are about $1.8million over and could be $4 million over after various 2002 player bonuses and incentives are paid.

The Steelers could get under that figure just by releasing Stewart, who is scheduled to make $6.3 million in 2003.

TEXANS: The contract of injured offensive tackle Tony Boselli has been restructured. Shoulder problems have kept the five-time Pro Bowler, whose $7.55 million deal was to run through the 2003 season, on the sidelines for much of the last two seasons.

Terms were not announced, but the team was asking the eight-year veteran to take a $4.5 million cut in his base salary, with the opportunity to earn more through incentives based on playing time, the Houston Chronicle reported.

SEAHAWKS: Offensive lineman Chris Terry must undergo counseling and perform 48 hours of community service as part of a deal to defer prosecution of a charge that he assaulted his wife. Terry was released by Carolina in November, then was signed off waivers by Seattle.

Terry was present for Tuesday's hearing but said nothing in court and declined to comment afterward. He was charged in August with pushing his wife, NyQuell Jackson-Terry, into a wall during a July argument at their home.

AMERICAN BOWL: Tampa Bay and the New York Jets will play in the American Bowl in Tokyo on Aug.2.