Antwaan Randle El spent four of the most satisfying seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers.

Leaving the team that drafted him for a seven-year, $31 million free-agent contract after throwing a spectacular touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL created mixed emotions for him.

Randle El didn't get to finish his contract with the Washington Redskins; he was released last week by new coach Mike Shanahan with three years remaining on his deal.

Looking for a new home, Randle El officially returned to the Steelers on Tuesday after signing a three-year contract.

"It happened pretty quickly. There were a couple of other teams, but the bottom line is coming home was a more comfortable situation for me," Randle El said at the Steelers practice facility after completing his physical. "I certainly enjoyed playing here before, and I know I'm going to enjoy it now."

Randle El said familiarity wasn't the only reason for his return to the organization that selected him in the second round of the 2002 draft. Having the opportunity to become the team's No. 3 receiver make his decision easier.

"We just talked about being No. 3," Randle El said. "Certainly, if Hines (Ward) or Santonio (Holmes) goes down then, of course, being outside. But the focus is being the No. 3 receiver right now. That's what I want to do and certainly be productive at it."

Randle El played in 64 games with the Steelers from 2002-05 and is best known for his 43-yard touchdown pass to Ward to clinch the Super Bowl XL victory over Seattle. He signed the huge contract with Washington in 2006. He played four seasons with the Redskins before being released last week.

Randle El has the versatility to play wide receiver and kick returner, although he said he hasn't spoken with coaches about playing on special teams. He said he wants to focus on wide receiver, where he totaled 51, 53 and 50 catches the past three seasons.

"I had a chance to talk to Hines. Me and Casey (Hampton) were texting back and forth," Randle El said. "It's been a little bit of a reunion. They were happy too. They were calling and texting me, (saying), 'I think it's going to work out.' It's exciting."

The addition of Randle El and fellow free-agent Arnaz Battle could result in an uncertain future for Limas Sweed, who played sparingly last season after the coaching staff lost confidence in him for numerous drops.

Notes: Free safety Ryan Clark said he called coach Mike Tomlin after receiving a contract offer from the Miami Dolphins. Clark told Tomlin he wanted to remain with the Steelers. That exchange led to Clark agreeing to a four-year deal so he could finish his career in Pittsburgh. "I actually talked to (Tomlin) on the phone once I was done in the (Dolphins') facility," Clark said yesterday. "He never called me while I was down there, but he texted a couple of times and I talked to him afterwards, and he's like, 'Let's get it done.' " ... Also yesterday, the Steelers signed free-agent tackle Jonathan Scott to a one-year deal.

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