A year ago, Gus Frerotte had a chance to be the Bengals starting quarterback, but he didn't feel comfortable accepting the team's four-year, $10 million offer. On Wednesday, Frerotte is visiting the Bengals and times have changed.

An unrestricted free agent, Frerotte pretty well knows that the Broncos are holding a spot on their roster for him to return as a backup. Frerotte's visit to Cincinnati is for information gathering and to gauge their interest.

Frerotte and his wife, Ann, visited with team officials and were to dine with coach Dick LeBeau at night. It is significant that Ann Frerotte accompanied her husband because she was a major reason he did not accept the offer last year from the Bengals that would have made him the starting quarterback.

Ann Frerotte met with Cincinnati vice president and general counsel Katie Blackburn, the daughter of owner Mike Brown, in a private session.

The major topic of discussion with LeBeau at dinner was expected to be Frerotte's role potential with the team. The veteran quarterback said he and his wife will return home Thursday and plan to discuss his career options during the drive.

The Bengals didn't have a chance to draft Joey Harrington in the first round because he went to the Lions with the third pick in the draft. Their starter is Jon Kitna. Gone is Scott Mitchell, who was the veteran backup.

The interesting part of the visit will be whether the Bengals make him an offer or what amount of money they would be willing to pay him. Frerotte pretty well knows he can make around $1 million to be a backup.

If the Bengals are not able to acquire Frerotte, the team might look at Shane Matthews, released by the Chicago Bears on Wednesday afternoon. Bengals officials have always liked Matthews. Should Frerotte decide to sign with Cincinnati instead of returning to Denver, the Broncos could have an interest in Matthews, whom they have attempted to sign in the past.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Senior writer Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.