A chopper assembly for a crop residue distribution system of an agricultural combine may include a rotor shaft extending lengthwise along a rotational axis between a first end and a second end. The chopper assembly may also include a plurality of flail blades pivotally coupled to the rotor shaft. Each flail blade may be configured to pivot relative to the rotor shaft about a pivot axis, with the flail blades being spaced apart axially from one another between the first and second ends of the rotor shaft. In addition, the chopper assembly may include a plurality of spring tines coupled to the rotor shaft, with the spring tines being spaced apart from one another between the first and second ends of the rotor shaft.