Pete Carroll has thrown one of his former players a lifeline.

The Seattle Seahawks have claimed safety Kevin Ellison off waivers from the San Diego Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Ellison was arrested last month in California after police discovered 100 Vicodin pills in his vehicle. He started nine games for the Chargers last season as a rookie but San Diego ostensibly replaced him by drafting Darrell Stuckey in the fourth round.

It’s a low-risk proposition for the Seahawks. Sure, Ellison could be subject to discipline by the league. But Seattle gets to look at a player Carroll is only a year removed from coaching and determine if a sixth-round pick from last year can help out.

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