James Pearce Jr., selected as the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has officially signed his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The announcement was made by the team on Monday. NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
Pearce joins fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker, who also finalized his contract as part of the Falcons’ 2025 rookie class during their three-day minicamp at Flowery Branch. Other rookies, including safety Xavier Watts, defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., and offensive tackle Jack Nelson, completed their signings last Friday.
Pearce’s rookie deal is estimated to be worth $16.78 million over its duration, with a cap number starting at $3.05 million in 2025 and rising to $5.34 million by 2028.
General Manager Terry Fontenot praised Pearce’s performance: “As a pass rusher, just look at the numbers… highest pressure rate in football.” Head Coach Raheem Morris shared insights from conversations with Pearce about improving hand usage and rush techniques. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expressed confidence in Pearce’s abilities: “If you looked at the best rushers in this draft, you could have made a case that he was the best one from a pure edge element.”
Pearce himself stated: “I just want to prove it to myself that I’m one of the best and I can rock with the best.”
The University of Tennessee product had an impressive college career with notable stats from his final season.
