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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:26 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Steelers sign ex-Kahuku star Kemoeatu for $1.4M

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Restricted free agent offensive linemen Chris Kemoeatu, a former Kahuku High athlete, and Trai Essex accepted their one-year tender offers today and will stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kemoeatu, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005, will make $1,417,000. Essex, picked a round ahead of Kemoeatu in that draft, accepted his offer of $927,000.

Both players were eligible to weigh offers from other teams until mid-April, with the Steelers owning the right to match their offers.

Kemoeatu has played in 18 career games at guard and on special teams and made two starts at right guard in 2006. Essex has played in 24 games at tackle and guard and started at left tackle for the injured Marvel Smith during the Steelers' wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville in January.

The Steelers have two other remaining restricted free agents, long snapper Greg Warren and wide receiver Nate Washington. They have offered Washington $1,417,000 and Warren $927,000.