The Patriots announced the signing of 12 free agents late Monday, including five players who finished the season on the team's practice squad.
Guard Drew Inzer, the only player to spend the entire season on New England's five-man practice squad, defensive tackle Maurice Anderson, offensive lineman Tom Ashworth, defensive end Setema Gali and wide receiver Scott McCready were all re-signed. Also brought back were linebacker Maugaula Tuitele, who played one game for New England in each of the last two seasons, and long snapper Ryan Benjamin, who was with the team briefly during training camp.
The others signed were guard Mike Clare; cornerback Cecil Deckard; center Patrick Downey; defensive end Radell Lockhart; and safety Mark Washington.
Of the players signed Monday, seven have been allocated for NFL Europe play this spring. Clare, Deckard, Downey, Lockhart, McCready, Tuitele and Washington will represent New England overseas. Which team each will play for will be determined Tuesday when the NFL Europe allocation draft is held.
