Steelers Re-sign Restricted Free Agents Kemoeatu and Essex

PITTSBURGH — Steelers’ offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu and Trai Essex have each signed their one-year tenders, it was announced today. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Kemoeatu (6-3, 344) will enter his fourth season with the Steelers after being selected in the fifth round (204^th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. Kemoeatu has appeared in 18 career games mostly as a reserve at guard and as a special teams contributor. He started two games at right guard in place of Kendall Simmons during the 2006 season.

Essex (6-4, 324) will also be entering his fourth season with the Steelers after being selected in the third round (93^rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. Essex has appeared in 24 regular-season contests as a backup at both tackle and guard. He started four games at left tackle in place of Marvel Smith during the 2005 season, and made his first NFL postseason start at left tackle in place of Smith during the 2007 Wild Card Game against Jacksonville.