The Atlanta Falcons’ young linebacker James Pearce Jr. will miss the start of the team’s offseason program this week. The 22-year-old was a standout rookie last year, but his status is now uncertain after his arrest in Miami-Dade County.
On Feb. 7, police arrested him following an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson. Right now, Pearce faces three felony counts: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
As he is currently navigating these legal issues, he has decided not to attend in the offseaosn program.
James Pearce Jr. skips offseason program over deadly weapon battery charges
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pearce is not expected to attend the team’s voluntary offseason program when it begins tomorrow.Missing the voluntary offseason program carries no roster consequences. So for now, he does not need to worry about the on-field pressure while navigating his chaotic life off the field.
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Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. (27) reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons traded up with the Los Angeles Rams to draft Pearce at 26th overall from the Tennessee Volunteers. He finished the season with 26 tackles and 10.5 sacks, leading all rookies and tying for 13th in the NFL. His 45 quarterback pressures set a franchise rookie record.
#Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. is not expected to be in attendance for team’s voluntary offseason program when it begins tomorrow, sources say.
No surprise, as Pearce works through his legal issues. He is charged with three felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly… pic.twitter.com/RIggRJoS10
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2026
But now his name is on the criminal list. According to a criminal complaint, he followed Jackson in a white Lamborghini SUV and blocked her car as she tried to drive to a police station for help. When an officer ordered him out of the vehicle at gunpoint, Pearce allegedly fled, striking the officer’s knee with the SUV before crashing and being caught on foot.
The worst part? Between November and February, cops responded to seven calls from Jackson regarding stalking and attempted break-ins. In her request for a protective order, Jackson said Pearce’s “obsessive, insecure, violent, and aggressive behavior” made her fear for her life.
He is currently ordered to stay 500 feet away from Jackson’s home and workplace. A permanent injunction hearing is set for April 21, days before 2026 NFL draft.
With the draft, OTAs, and minicamps all happening over the next two months, any legal delay or NFL investigation could keep Pearce off the field through the start of training camp in July.
This puts the Falcons in a tough spot. They already traded away their 2026 first-round pick to get him. Losing their best pass rusher to a suspension would be a massive setback for a defense that relied on his production all last season.