The Seattle Seahawks continued their policy of keeping their own best players on board Tuesday evening, with ESPN.com learning that the team has re-signed wide receiver Bobby Engram, an unrestricted free agent.

Last week the Seahawks extended the contracts of two key defenders, end Antonio Cochran and linebacker Anthony Simmons, just before the start of the free agency signing period. The team had indicated retaining Engram was one of its offensive priorities.

The dependable No. 3 receiver, coming off a very good 2002 season, will sign a four-year contract. The deal totals nearly $6 million and includes first-year compensation of $2 million.

The seven-year veteran had drawn interest from five other franchises, but instructed agent Joel Segal to keep him in Seattle, if possible.

Engram, 30, had 50 catches for 619 yards in 2002, and nearly two-thirds of his receptions resulted in first downs. He also took over the punt return chores and, while not flashy, brought needed stability to the position. That was indicative of Engram, typically steady but unspectacular throughout a productive career.

Also notable in 2002 was the tutelage Engram provided the Seahawks' two young starting wide receivers, Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson. During the season, Robinson in particular lauded Engram's role in his development.

A former Penn State star, Engram has 325 career receptions for 3,850 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has appeared in 93 games and began his career as a second-round choice of the Chicago Bears in the 1996 draft.

Engram played five seasons with the Bears before signing in Seattle as a free agent in 2001.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.