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James Pearce Jr.
DE · ATL

James Pearce Jr.

Position DE
Team ATL
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

James Pearce Jr.

NFL edge rusher. Position: DE. Team: ATL.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Defensive End (DE)
  • Team: ATL (Atlanta Falcons)
  • Drafted: 2025 NFL Draft, 1st round (15th overall)
  • Experience: Rookie

2026 Outlook

James Pearce Jr. delivered an outstanding rookie season for the Falcons, finishing atop sack leaders among first-year players and as a finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year with strong production on the edge. He was a beast on the field, and there was growing optimism that the Falcons had found their pass rusher of the future. However, Pearce was arrested in February on domestic violence allegations, which will cost him games. He entered into a six-month pre-trial intervention program that could result in all charges being dismissed if conditions are met. The NFL's punishment is still pending. He will face some form of suspension, but when that comes and how long it will last remains unclear until the league office makes its determination (per 3 Reasons for Optimism, 3 Reasons for Concern for Falcons in 2026). His 2026 availability is highly uncertain.

August 12 suspension confirmation: Adam Schefter confirmed that James Pearce Jr. is "going to be suspended," making him one of at least four NFL stars facing discipline heading into 2026. The exact timing and length of his suspension remain undetermined pending NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's final decision (per 4 NFL stars could face suspensions heading into 2026 season).

August 14 suspension finalized: The NFL suspended Pearce for 8 games, effective immediately for Week 1. He remains eligible for preseason play but will miss regular-season contests 1-8, first eligible to return in Week 9 when Atlanta faces Cincinnati in Madrid (per James Pearce suspended 8 games by NFL after offseason domestic-violence arrest).

Pearce carries a $3.8M salary cap hit in 2026, ranking 7th among Atlanta's defenders and reflecting his value despite the legal situation (per 10 highest Falcons salary cap hits on defense in 2026). He showed up for his physical at mandatory minicamp on June 16 (Monday), meeting the requirement. His presence at minicamp signals the Falcons' expectation that he'll remain with the team pending NFL disciplinary action (per James Pearce Jr. returns to Falcons for minicamp physical amid intervention program).

Role / Depth Chart

Starting edge rusher when eligible. Facing 8-game suspension; will miss Weeks 1-8 and first available to return Week 9 (per Falcons training camp 2026: 3 roster battles to watch on defense - Yahoo Sports).

Injury Status

No reported injuries. Off-field legal matter will impact availability in 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • When will the NFL announce James Pearce Jr.'s suspension length for his February arrest?

Sources