The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with linebacker Channing Tindall on a one-year contract Today, continuing an offseason effort to rebuild a linebacker room that took a significant hit when Kaden Elliss departed in free agency. The deal was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with Tindall’s agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown confirming the agreement.
Tindall, 25, arrives in Atlanta after four NFL seasons split between the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals. The signing also carries a homecoming element. Tindall played his college football at the University of Georgia, appearing in 50 games for the Bulldogs and finishing with 108 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. He closed out his college career by winning a national championship during the 2021-22 season.
A draft pick who never found a defensive role
The Dolphins selected Tindall in the third round, 102nd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Miami but appeared on defense for just 21 snaps across 44 games, recording 16 total tackles. The bulk of his contributions came on special teams, a pattern that has defined his professional career. Miami waived him ahead of the 2025 season during final roster cuts.
Tindall quickly found a new home, signing with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on Dec. 6. He appeared in seven games for Arizona and recorded eight tackles. His career totals now stand at 24 tackles across 51 games over four seasons, with roughly 96.5% of his snaps coming on special teams.
What Tindall brings to Atlanta
The Falcons have been deliberate about the athletic profile of players they have added to the linebacker room this offseason. Tindall fits that mold. He ran a 4.447-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, posted a 42-inch vertical jump, and recorded a 10-foot-9 broad jump, numbers that reflect the kind of movement skills the coaching staff has prioritized.
Atlanta has also added former Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris and restructured the contract of Troy Andersen during this free agency period. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich now has a group that offers athletic versatility across the position, even if the room lacks a proven every-down starter following the loss of Elliss.
Tindall’s role in Atlanta is expected to mirror what he did in Miami and Arizona. He projects as a core special teams contributor who can provide linebacker depth when called upon defensively. His addition is seen as a replacement for the role previously filled by Josh Woods.
Atlanta may not be finished at the position
Despite the additions made so far, the Falcons are not expected to stop addressing the linebacker position. The departures this offseason created enough depth concerns that the team may continue adding at the position through the NFL Draft next month or through additional free agency signings as the market develops.
Tindall’s one-year deal carries minimal financial risk and gives Atlanta a young, athletic player who knows the position and has experience in the league’s defensive systems. At 25, he still has time to develop into a more complete player if given the opportunity, though his immediate contribution is most likely to come on special teams rather than as a defensive starter.
Free agent contracts became official Today at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year began.
