Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce (DL59) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons Sign Former Vol James Pearce Jr. to Rookie Contract

Originally posted on Tennessee Volunteers on SI
By Jonathan Williams | Last updated May 12, 2025 11:09 AM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have officially signed their rookie EDGE James Pearce Jr..

The Atlanta Falcons recently signed linebacker Jalon Walker to his rookie contract and now they have locked down both of their first round picks. EDGE James Pearce Jr. has signed a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $16.8M, according to Ian Rapoport. He gets a $8.8M signing bonus.

Pearce is set to be a difference maker for the Falcons in his first year with the franchise. The Falcons have had issues in the pass rush department for several years now and they used two first round picks on two players that can help solve that. Pearce being one of them. The Falcons even traded back into the first round, giving up next year's first round pick, to get the former Volunteer.

#Falcons first-round pick edge James Pearce Jr. is signing his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $16.8M, source said. He gets a $8.8M signing bonus. Both Atlanta first rounders are in the books. pic.twitter.com/xVmS2bq7vO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2025

While a team drafting you certainly assures they see some type of potential in you as a player, it doesn't always guarantee playing time or usage in the upcoming season. The Atlanta Falcons' 2024 rookie class ranked as one of the least productive groups in the NFL last season. However, based on head coach Raheem Morris' most recent claim, that is nothing to worry about for Pearce Jr..

"Make no mistake about it, we're going to have some real intentionality about playing our rookies this year," said Morris.

This article first appeared on Tennessee Volunteers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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