Pro Football Rumors
James Pearce Jr. was absent from the Falcons during voluntary spring practices. The second-year edge rusher will be present for the team during this week’s mandatory minicamp, however.
Pearce’s future with Atlanta was unclear earlier in the offseason due to the felony charges (aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person) he faced at the time. In April, an agreement was reached which included no admission of guilt regarding those allegations and the possibility of prison time being eliminated.
Pearce agreed to enter a pretrial diversion program as a result of the arrangement. The length of the program was originally six months, but it has since been extended to one year (with the conditions remaining the same). With legal clarity emerging, it appeared as though Pearce would be in position to join the team this week. Indeed, Justin Felder of Fox 5 reported earlier today the 22-year-old was expected to report for minicamp.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has since confirmed Pearce’s attendance. He adds Pearce is expected to participate in this week’s practices without addressing the media. The Falcons have largely avoided comment on this situation, which could still include NFL discipline. Convictions are not required for a league investigation to result in a fine and/or suspension being handed down under the personal conduct policy.
During his debut Atlanta campaign, Pearce played a key role in the team’s rejuvenated pass rush. The Tennessee product posted 10.5 sacks and 27 QB pressures en route to finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He and fellow 2025 first-rounder Jalon Walker will be counted on to remain core figures on defense for years to come provided they continue to operate as starters on the edge. Walker’s ability to do so is of course not in doubt, while today’s news points further in the direction of Pearce continuing his NFL career in 2026.
