Foxborough, Mass. - The New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Daniel Benetka today. The terms of the deal were not announced.
Benetka, 27, played for the Frankfurt Galaxy during the 2002 NFL Europe season. He recorded seven tackles (6 solos) and five passes defensed with the Galaxy. Frankfurt was the top rated defense in NFL Europe this past season, yielding only 256.1 yards per game.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 295-pound defensive lineman attended the University of Idaho and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie free agent, but was released prior to the 1999 regular season. He spent the 2001 NFL Europe season with the Galaxy and totaled 12 tackles, including one sack. Benetka then played with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2001 preseason, but was released prior to the regular season.
