National Football League

DE-LB Mike Neal appears headed back to Packers

Published Mar. 12, 2014 7:36 p.m. ET

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Defensive end-linebacker Mike Neal apparently is returning to the Packers.

A posting Wednesday evening on the Twitter account of the unrestricted free agent said ''Hi Green Bay!!! I'll enjoy your winters for two more years!!''

Messaged left by The Associated Press for Neal's agent were not immediately answered.

Neal on Twitter later received congratulations from Johnny Jolly, himself an unrestricted free agent who played last year in Green Bay.

In his fourth year out of Purdue, Neal last season played more linebacker and rushed from the outside in the Packers' 3-4 scheme. It turned out to be an important move with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry missing time due to injuries.

Neal had five sacks in 16 games and 10 starts last season, all career highs.

Green Bay on Wednesday did lose safety M.D. Jennings, who signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Jennings had one interception in 26 starts over the last two seasons.

Coach Mike McCarthy has said he would like more impact players across the defense, and the team could turn to the draft to address the safety spot opposite Morgan Burnett.

As for Jolly, a message on his Twitter account Tuesday said that he had ''great news'' from his doctor about the neck injury that knocked him out late last season.

The neck fusion had ''healed perfectly'' and he had a ''green light'' to start some strength work, Jolly said.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL