Falcons' sack leader suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge

The NFL will take disciplinary action against former Atlanta Falcons first-round pick James Pearce Jr. Pearce will serve an eight-game suspension to begin the 2026 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Aug. 14. The edge rusher was involved in a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson, and arrested in February. Pearce, 22, agreed to enter a six-month diversion program in April that could resolve multiple felony charges stemming from the incident: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. Pearce was the Falcons' No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he led the team with 10.5 sacks. On Aug. 12, the Falcons listed Pearce as a third-string defensive end behind Cameron Thomas and Azeez Ojulari. Atlanta plays its first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Falcons' sack leader suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge