Falcons DE James Pearce Jr. Suspended 8 Games

The Falcons will officially open the 2026 season without James Pearce Jr.

Pearce has been suspended eight games under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy following his February arrest stemming from an alleged domestic dispute involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

Pearce was arrested on Feb. 7 near Miami. Prosecutors later charged him with three felonies, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence, along with a misdemeanor stalking charge. Pearce has maintained his innocence.

According to the police account, Jackson told authorities she was attempting to drive toward a police station when Pearce allegedly collided with the rear of her vehicle. Police also alleged Pearce fled officers and struck an officer’s knee with his vehicle while attempting to get away.

Pearce Could Still Have All Charges Dismissed

Despite the NFL discipline, Pearce’s legal case has taken a significant turn in recent months.

Pearce was accepted into a pretrial intervention program that was extended from six months to one year. If he successfully completes the program, all of the charges against him are expected to be dismissed.

Jackson also voluntarily dropped her attempt to obtain a permanent restraining order, although Pearce is still required to stay away from her while completing the program.

Based on Pearce making ~ $55,833 in salary per game, missing eight games will cost him approximately $446,664 in salary.

Pearce is coming off an impressive rookie season, recording 10.5 sacks and a Falcons rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures.

Fellow 2025 1st-round pick Jalon Walker is already expected to miss the entire season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp. Atlanta was preparing for Pearce potentially receiving a lengthy suspension even before Friday’s decision.

Walker and Pearce combined for 16 sacks during their rookie seasons and were expected to remain major pieces of Atlanta’s pass rush in 2026.

Instead, the Falcons will begin the season without either of them.