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The Ravens have brought back a familiar face by signing veteran nose guard Maake Kemoeatu.
Kemoeatu was originally signed by the Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Utah in 2002.
Now 33 years old, Kemoeatu returns to the city where he first started with 121 career games (73 starts), 237 career tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble under his belt.
“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,” General Manager Ozzie Newsome stated.
The Ravens’ defensive line is in need of reinforcements after losing veteran defensive tackle Brandon McKinney to free agency this offseason.
Kemoeatu was a role player on the defensive line his first three years with the Ravens, eventually becoming a full-time starter in 2005. The big-bodied lineman registered 40 tackles and a sack that season, becoming an attractive free agent the following offseason.
After agreeing to a five-year deal with the Panthers reportedly worth $23 million in 2005, Kemoeatu was a three-year starter in Carolina. He was placed on injured reserve for the entire 2009 season after sustaining an Achilles injury during training camp. The 6-foot-5, 345-pounder spent the last two years with the Redskins, starting 12 games in 2010 and missing the 2011 season with Achilles tendon and shoulder injuries.
“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.”
