Seahawks sign AFL receiver Chas Gessner to a 2-year contract

Chas Gessner is getting another shot with an NFL team after the Seahawks signed the 6-foot-5, 220-pound wide receiver to a two-year contract.

Gessner was placed on an exempt list by the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League on Tuesday so he could sign with Seattle.

The 26-year-old was originally signed by the New England Patriots before the 2003 season, and has spent time with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe and on the practice squads of the New York Jets (2004) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006-2007).

Gessner, also a standout in lacrosse at Brown University, appeared in his first NFL game last season against the Arizona Cardinals. He had 76 catches for 801 yards and 20 touchdowns through 11 weeks of the AFL season and was named the league's rookie of the month for March.

Gessner was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in January in Tampa, Fla., according to a report in The Tampa Tribune. The Seahawks released center Chris White to make room for Gessner on the roster.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com