Atlanta Falcons part ways with Canadian tight end Nikola Kalinic
Nikola Kalinic, a Canadian tight end, has been released by the Atlanta Falcons following the conclusion of their preseason.
Kalinic, who first broke into the NFL as a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, spent most of the past two seasons on the practice roster with the Los Angeles Rams. He dressed for two games in 2024 and played 28 snaps on special teams.
Before joining the NFL, Kalinic played 31 games over two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his time with the Tiger-Cats, he made 38 receptions for 416 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, he was the first player in school history to be named an OUA all-star twice in one season, once on offense and once on special teams.
Kalinic was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the second round of the 2019 CFL Draft. In his collegiate career with York University's Lions, he made 31 appearances and amassed 23 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
The decision to release Kalinic was made by Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris. The Falcons finished the 2024 season with a record of 8-9, placing second in the NFC South.
Kalinic's NFL career began with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played a total of 99 snaps (47 on offense and 42 on special teams) and made two starts. He also returned one kickoff for 15 yards with the Colts.
Kalinic signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in January. However, his tenure with the team was short-lived, as he was released ahead of the regular season.
As a Canadian football player in the NFL, Kalinic's journey serves as an inspiration for many young athletes in Canada. It remains to be seen where his career will take him next.
