Patriots Offensive Lineman Could Draw Chiefs Interest In Free Agency

Published Feb. 18, 2010 at 3:08 a.m.
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In one of the most watered down versions of free agency in recent memory, a ray of sunlight may have just shined through for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Stephen Neal, New England Patriots guard, will test the market, according to his agent.

"He's going to be playing," Neal's agent, Neil Cornrich, told ESPN's Adam Schefter this evening. "We expect there to be a vibrant free-agent market for his services."

Neal, 33, was considering retirement according to reports.

Other than the obvious Pioli connection, there are a few reasons the Chiefs could be very interested in his services.

• Toughness: Neal played through broken ribs last season and didn't say anything about it.
• Position of need: The Chiefs could use an offensive guard.
• Wrestling background: Neal is a former wrestler and so is Chiefs lineman Jermail Porter.
• Familiarity other than Pioli: Both Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel were coordinators while he was in New England.

We're not the only ones who think this could happen. Both Schefter and Mike Reiss of ESPN believe the Chiefs could be a landing spot.

(H/T WesternChief and T-Rich)

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