The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons have "been in touch" with free agent ILB Channing Crowder. Crowder's former defensive coordinator with the Dolphins Mike Nolan accepted the same position with the Falcons last month, and sent Crowder a text soon after. Crowder says he'd "love" to play in Atlanta, and admits his August retirement was "not a real rational thing." Still only 28, Crowder should be able to find a job.

Appearing on Super Bowl's Radio Row Wednesday, free agent ILB Channing Crowder said he plans to make a comeback after sitting out all of 2011. Several teams, including the Patriots, showed interest in Crowder after his release by the Dolphins last July, but he sat out the season to let his body heal. The 28-year-old won't be re-signing with Miami, though. "I wouldn't go on a team with (Dolphins GM) Jeff Ireland," he said. "I'm not very confident in him. He doesn't know what he's doing in my opinion. ... He's not a good person. He has no class and I wouldn't choose to go back there."

According to Profootballtalk, at least two teams have expressed interest in luring ILB Channing Crowder out of retirement. Chowder has begun a post-football media career, but may be willing to reconsider. PFT's Mike Florio believes that indeed will be the case if a team meets Crowder's asking price. He's still an asset as an early-down thumper against the run.

Free agent Channing Crowder's former teammates expressed skepticism that the linebacker will stay retired. Crowder, just 27, said he was done on a Miami radio station Tuesday. "I'm sure he'll come back," Kendall Langford said. "I think he'll come out for the right amount of money. But if he doesn't have the desire for it anymore, you've got to respect that." The Dolpins released Crowder July 29.

Free agent ILB Channing Crowder reportedly announced his retirement on a Miami radio station Tuesday. "I had opportunities," Channing Crowder said, via Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "When I started thinking about retiring and it became an option, that's when I knew I should do it." Crowder was still playing the run at a high level last season, but he's always marched to the beat of a different drummer. It's not exactly shocking that he'd choose to walk away from the game at age 27. Perhaps he'll reconsider in 2012.

The Patriots gave free agent ILB Channing Crowder a physical Thursday. It's unclear if the Pats are just kicking the tires or actually have interest. Crowder would bring starting experience behind Patriots starters Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes.

Free agent ILB Channing Crowder reportedly "loves" Bills defensive coordinator George Edwards. It's interesting to note that ex-Bills LB Kawika Mitchell tweeted Friday, "Buffalo. You have a new LB heading your way. That's my guess," in reference to Crowder. Edwards was Crowder's position coach in Miami from 2005 through 2009, and also coached at Florida (Crowder's alma mater). The Bills have a need at inside 'backer.

Dolphins released ILB Channing Crowder. Crowder was able to play in just 11 games last year due to groin and leg injuries. That allowed Tim Dobbins to step in and hold his own at the inside linebacker spot. Apparently, the Dolphins liked what they saw and will now roll with Dobbins as the much cheaper alternative. The loud-mouthed Crowder is still only 27 and should attract interest from teams in need of an inside linebacker.