Falcons' sack leader suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge

Key Points:

• James Pearce Jr., former Atlanta Falcons first-round pick, will serve an eight-game suspension starting the 2026 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy due to a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson.
• Pearce was arrested in February following an incident where he allegedly drove into Jackson's car as she tried to reach a police station, leading to charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing police; he entered a six-month diversion program requiring counseling, drug testing, and a stay-away order from Jackson.
• Jackson, a Chicago Sky forward and former WNBA first-round pick, filed a protective order against Pearce, stating she feared for her life and believed Pearce could kill her if unprotected.
• Pearce is allowed to participate in all preseason activities before his suspension begins on August 30, after which he will be eligible for reinstatement on November 2, following the Falcons' Week 8 game.
• Despite his suspension, Pearce was listed as a third-string defensive end on the Falcons' preseason depth chart, a positioning likely influenced by the disciplinary action rather than his on-field performance, as he led the team with 10.5 sacks in his rookie season.