With the opening of the free agency, the Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the acquisition of defensive lineman Tremaine Johnson and defensive back Chris Smith.

“Tremaine and Chris are a part of our plan to target players that will make us much more competitive on the defensive side of the ball,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “These two players are just the start as we seek to improve our defense. We are pleased to have each of them on board.”

Johnson (6-foot-2, 290 lbs., Louisiana State) began his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 National Football League Entry draft. He spent the 2009-2011 seasons as a member of the Vikings’ practice squad. Johnson then went on to play with the Montreal Alouettes during the 2012 season. He appeared in 45 games with the LSU Tigers from 2004-2008.

Smith (5-10, 186, Northern Illinois) is a hometown product who prepped at Palmetto H.S. in Palmetto, FL. Out of college he was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 United Football League Draft by the Omaha Nighthawks, however he signed with the St. Louis Rams and spent training camp with the Rams prior to his release due to injury. After healing up, the Rams brought him back to finish the season and he appeared in three games.

In 2012 Smith returned to the Omaha Nighthawks and appeared in three games prior to the UFL ceasing operations. He and current Storm wide receiver Joe Hills were teammates in high school.