The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce its first signings of the exclusive period, wide receivers Michael Lindsey and Chandler Williams. The exclusive period runs until midnight October 28, during which time teams have exclusivity dealing with players from the previous season’s roster.

“This is just a start to what we believe will be a very productive exclusive period where we’ll be able to lock-in the core of our team prior to heading into free-agency,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “Both Michael and Chandler have the ability to change the outlook of a game in one play; we are excited to have both them back in Blue and Gold.”

Lindsey (6-foot-1, 210 lbs., N.W. Mississippi) signed a two-year contract that runs through the end of the 2014 season. The St. Petersburg native prepped locally at Boca Ciega H.S. and joined the Storm prior to the 2011 season after an impressive showing at an open workout.

He set the franchise single-season record with 1,745 kick return yards his rookie season and battled through a injuries in 2012 to add another 1,082 kick return yards. Lindsey has returned four kickoffs for touchdowns in his career. He also has 84 career receptions for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Williams (5-11, 180, Florida International) signed a three-year contract. He returns to the Storm after playing with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. Williams spent the first 12 games of the 2012 AFL season with the Storm prior to heading to the CFL.

Prior to his departure to the CFL, he made an impact not only on offense but on the kick return and coverage units as well. Williams recorded a total of 21 touchdowns, three on kickoff returns and one on the kickoff coverage unit recovering a fumble for a touchdown. He returned a total 36 kicks for 829 yards, a 23.0 yards per return average that led the AFL and contributed 83 receptions for 994 yards on offense.

The second player from FIU ever selected in the National Football League Entry Draft, Williams, spent five seasons in the NFL (2007-2011) with the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs.