ATLANTA - According to some reports, former Tarleton Texan Garrett Lindholm has signed a free agent contract with the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons.  

Lindholm signed a two-year free agent deal with the Falcons, and the Pflugerville native will now have to make team to give the Texans their second player active in the NFL this coming season.

"Within a minute and a half after the draft, I had a deal done with the Falcons," Lindholm said.  "I was relieved.  There were no kickers taken in the draft this year, and we really thought that one of us would have gone.  

"I knew that once the draft was over, it would be a flurry," Lindholm continued.  "Atlanta, Indianapolis and Cleveland all had a lot of interest in me, so I decided I would pick what I believed is the best option for me before someone went another way."

The Falcons flew the special teams coach to meet with Lindholm last Monday to watch him kick.  

"I am excited," Lindholm said.  "I just hope to do everything I can to make the team and have the chance to play in the NFL."

Lindholm will take part in the Falcons' mini-camp which is set to begin on May 6.