The Baltimore Ravens have signed NT Maake Kemoeatu, general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsomeannounced Wednesday morning.
An eight-year NFL veteran, Kemoeatu, 33, originally entered the league as a rookie free agent with the Ravens in 2002. The 6-5, 345-pounder played in 61 games for Baltimore over a four-season span (2002-05), making 21 starts – including all 16 contests in 2005.
Seeing action in 121 career games (73 starts), Kemoeatu has totaled 185 tackles and four sacks during his time in the NFL.
"Maake will be given an opportunity to make our 53-man roster, and if he does, he will provide added depth on our D-line and help our ability to stop the run," Newsome stated.
After leaving Baltimore, Kemoeatu played for the Carolina Panthers from 2006-08, seeing action in 46 games and making 40 starts. He missed the 2009 campaign after being placed on Injured Reserve with an Achilles injury sustained during training camp. Kemoeatu then signed with the Washington Redskins in 2010 and played in 14 games (12 starts). He was out of football during the 2011 season.
"When we signed Maake as a rookie free agent in 2002, he really rose to the occasion and worked his way into becoming a highly-regarded player in Baltimore and throughout the league," director of pro personnel Vincent Newsome stated. "He is incredibly strong – someone who has heavy hands and great punch. For a guy his size, he also moves really well and creates separation."
Name pronounced: ma-AH-kay key-moy-AH-too
