(Updated: 11:40 p.m)
After giving him his first shot as a rookie free agent in 2002, the Ravens are bringing veteran defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu back to Baltimore.
Kemoeatu will rejoin the Ravens on a one-year deal after stints with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins. The 33-year-old did not play last season after being released by Washington after dealing with shoulder and Achilles tendon issues in recent years.
“Ma’ake 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 said in a team statement.
He played four seasons in Baltimore, collecting 92 tackles and four sacks over 61 games (21 starts) before signing a five-year, $23 million contract with Carolina in 2006.
Though past his prime, the 6-foot-5, 364-pound veteran will have a chance to compete for a backup spot on the defensive line, which lost reserve nose tackle Brandon McKinney in free agency to the Indianapolis Colts.
“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 said. “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.”
The former Utah product has registered 237 tackles in his eight seasons in the NFL.
