Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Seattle Seahawks have claimed safety Kevin Ellison off waivers from the San Diego Chargers.

No announcement has been made by the Seahawks, who will need to clear a roster spot to add Ellison.

Ellison, who played for Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll at USC before being selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, was waived by the Chargers on Monday.

Despite practicing with the first-team defense during the "Organized Team Activity" sessions, Ellison was not surprised by his release, as the 23-year old was arrested on May 24 for possession of a controlled substance after 100 Vicodin tablets were discovered in his car after he was pulled over for speeding in Redondo Beach, California.

Ellison's attorney said that his client needed the painkillers to deal with a knee injury. Ellison underwent three knee operations during his USC career, but did not have any procedures performed on his knees this off-season.

A starter at strong safety in 9 of 13 regular season games during his rookie season, the 6-1, 224-pound Ellison totaled 52 tackles, including three for a loss, and a quarterback sack. Ellison also defended three passes during his rookie season.

If claimed, Ellison would be under contract to the Seahawks through the 2012 season at league minimum base salaries.