Veteran guard is scheduled to meet with New England on Tuesday, his first visit since being released by the Broncos in February.
Neil, a fixture on Denver’s offensive line since 1998, is recovering from hernia surgery in early April. He had knee surgery in January.
Neil, who was drafted by the Broncos in 1997, said he will be recovered in time for training camp.
“We will see what comes of the meeting there,” Neil said of the Patriots. “I think they just want to get a feel for me.”
When Neil, 31, was cut in a salary cap move, the Broncos told him there was a chance he could return. But that no longer looks like a possibility. Neil said he hasn’t been in contact with the Broncos and is preparing to sell his Denver-area house.
The Broncos are monitoring linebacker Chad Brown. He is set to visit New Orleans after visiting the Patriots and Steelers. Brown has met with Denver coach Mike Shanahan and, because he lives in the area, the Broncos are considered to have a strong chance to sign him.
The Steelers, for whom Brown played from 1993-96, also have a strong interest.
Footnotes
Freddie Mitchell, a veteran wide receiver the Eagles are trying to trade, could interest the Broncos. … Denver is one of several teams to show interest in slot receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, cut by Detroit last week.
