ATL 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.
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 available; suspension status TBD.
Injury Status
No reported injuries. Off-field legal matter will impact availability in 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-04-08 — Kevin Stefanski still can’t confirm a timetable for Michael Penix Jr.’s return (Kevin Stefanski still can’t confirm a timetable for Michael Penix Jr.’s return)
- 2026-07-01 — New body camera video shows NFL player James Pearce Jr. fleeing police (New body camera video shows NFL player James Pearce Jr. fleeing police)
- 2026-04-24 — Six teams who traded first-round picks set sights on Day 2 of NFL draft (Six teams who traded first-round picks set sights on Day 2 of NFL draft)
- 2026-06-11 — Projecting the Falcons’ 53-Man Roster & Depth Chart After OTAs (Projecting the Falcons’ 53-Man Roster & Depth Chart After OTAs)
- 2026-05-20 — 2025 NFL Redraft: Does Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Or Tyler Shough Go No. 1 Overall? (2025 NFL Redraft: Does Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Or Tyler Shough Go No. 1 Overall?)
- 2026-04-13 — Redrafting 2025 NFL Draft: Jaxson Dart jumps into top 5, but does Cam Ward stay No. 1?... (Redrafting 2025 NFL Draft: Jaxson Dart jumps into top 5, but does Cam Ward stay No. 1?...)
- 2026-04-13 — Biggest need for every NFL team ahead of the draft: Multiple NFC teams in search of... (Biggest need for every NFL team ahead of the draft: Multiple NFC teams in search of...)
- 2026-04-27 — 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Analyzing All 32 Teams' Classes (2026 NFL Draft Grades: Analyzing All 32 Teams' Classes)
- 2026-04-24 — Biggest need for every team entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft: What all 32 clubs must fix (Biggest need for every team entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft: What all 32 clubs must fix)
- 2026-06-16 — Falcons mandatory minicamp: Best photos from Day 1 (Falcons mandatory minicamp: Best photos from Day 1)
Open Questions
- When will the NFL announce James Pearce Jr.'s suspension length for his February arrest?