TE Nikolai Kalinic was signed by the Falcons to a Futures contract. Read more

The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their tight end depth with the signing of Nikolai Kalinic to a futures contract. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end’s new deal with the team comes after a season spent on the Falcons’ practice squad, offering him an opportunity to make a more significant impact in 2025.

Kalinic, who originally went undrafted, first entered the NFL with the Falcons in 2021, after spending time on both the practice squads of the Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts. His background includes a standout career at the University of Windsor in Canada, where he demonstrated strong athleticism and the ability to make plays as both a blocker and a receiver. Despite going undrafted, Kalinic’s physical attributes and versatility on the field made him an appealing developmental player for NFL teams.

A futures contract, which is typically signed after the conclusion of the regular season, is a way for teams to retain players for the upcoming year. These contracts do not count against the current year’s salary cap but allow players to join the team’s offseason roster in preparation for training camp. It also provides a chance for players like Kalinic to prove themselves during the offseason and potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster for the regular season.

Kalinic’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional, and his perseverance to earn a contract speaks to his work ethic and potential. The Falcons are hoping that the young tight end can continue to grow within their system, contributing not just in blocking schemes but also offering an option in the passing game.

With a solid foundation of experience and development, Kalinic now has a fresh opportunity to compete for a more prominent role with the Falcons in 2025, adding depth to an already competitive tight end group.