01:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 23, 2006

BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer

The Patriots signed free-agent cornerback Chad Scott yesterday, a move that will do little to quell angst over the Tuesday departure of kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Scott was with the team last year and made four tackles in three games. He injured his shoulder early in the season and was placed on injured reserve. Scott is now in the mix with Ellis Hobbs, Asante Samuel and Randall Gay at cornerback.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that the team is close to re-signing free agent right guard Stephen Neal and veteran wide receiver Troy Brown.

As for free-agent visits, neither wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson nor kicker Mike Vanderjagt have been hosted in Foxboro yet.

Colts didn't see this coming

Colts president Bill Polian said yesterday on WEEI that he was contacted by agent Gary Uberstine last week to gauge Indy's interest in Vinatieri.

Meanwhile, Vinatieri was visiting Green Bay on Friday with the firm of his former agent, Neil Cornrich, representing him. On Monday came word that Vinatieri had fired Cornrich's firm and was being represented by Uberstine.

Polian said it was the Colts' impression that Vinatieri was either going to be franchised or re-signed by the Patriots and, as a result, Indy didn't make any inquiries. Polian also said Vinatieri hadn't visited with the Colts.