2025 Defense Stats
TCKL
26
SACKS
10.5
INT
0
FF
1
TD
0
2026 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
After drafting Jalon Walker with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons traded up and selected the versatile Pearce at No. 26 overall. A production dip in his final collegiate season caused Pearce to fall down some draft boards, but he tested well at the combine. The rookies need to revamp Atlanta's pass rush that finished with 31 sacks in 2024, second-fewest in the NFL. The Falcons also bolstered their pass-rushing corps by replacing Matthew Judon with veteran Leonard Floyd. Pearce projects to be an OLB that excels at getting after the QB in Atlanta's 3-4 defense. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year, $16.78 million contract with the Falcons in May of 2025.
Arrested on battery charges
Pearce was arrested in Florida on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a count of aggravated stalking, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Pearce was also charged with fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence to his person before being booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Given the nature of his changes, Pearce is expected to face discipline from the NFL, though the league will likely wait to make any such determination until more information emerges and the legal process plays out. Shortly after Pearce's arrest, the Falcons acknowledged in a statement that they are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering more information on the matter, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting after tallying 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while playing in all 17 games during his first season in the league.
Pearce was also charged with fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence to his person before being booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Given the nature of his changes, Pearce is expected to face discipline from the NFL, though the league will likely wait to make any such determination until more information emerges and the legal process plays out. Shortly after Pearce's arrest, the Falcons acknowledged in a statement that they are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering more information on the matter, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting after tallying 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while playing in all 17 games during his first season in the league.
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2025 NFL Game Log
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2025 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2025 James Pearce Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do James Pearce's measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 5"Weight
243 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.47 secVertical Jump
31.0 inBroad Jump
123 inHand Length
10.00 inArm Length
32.75 in
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Dazzles during rookie season
Pearce tallied 26 total tackles (17 solo), including 10.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season games in 2025.
ANALYSIS
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Cleared to face Rams
Pearce (neck) was a full participant in Saturday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Monday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
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Limited in practice Friday
Pearce (neck) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Estimated as limited participant
Pearce (neck) is listed as limited on Thursday's estimated practice report, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Productive in win
Pearce registered two tackles (one solo), including 0.5 sacks, in Atlanta's win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
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Team curt regarding arrest
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski was brief in his remarks regarding Pearce's recent arrest in Doral, Fla. when introducing the team's new coordinators Wednesday, the Associated Press reports. "On the James Pearce situation, there's really nothing to add," Stefanski said. "Our coaches will defer to the statement that was put out, so respectfully, I understand there's questions, but we don't have much to add there."
ANALYSIS
Pearce, the Falcons' 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, put together a standout rookie campaign that included 10.5 sacks across 17 regular-season games. However, the Tennessee product was involved in a serious off-field situation Saturday in South Florida, as he was arrested and hit with five felony charges stemming from a domestic dispute with former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce, the Falcons' 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, put together a standout rookie campaign that included 10.5 sacks across 17 regular-season games. However, the Tennessee product was involved in a serious off-field situation Saturday in South Florida, as he was arrested and hit with five felony charges stemming from a domestic dispute with former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.