Falcons Sign First-Round Picks To Rookie Deals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated May 12, 2025 9:34 PM ET

The Falcons have signed first round picks Walker and Pearce to fully guaranteed rookie contracts. Walker was chosen with the 15th pick out of Georgia and Pearce was chosen 26th out of Tennessee.

Both players are coming to Atlanta to be the next big edge rushers as the Falcons came into the draft needing edge rushers more than anything. Walker fell into their laps and Pearce was chosen after a trade up with the Los Angeles Rams.

Walker signed a contract worth $20.56 million for four years and a fifth-year option. Walker looks to be the star of the defensive line and there will be a lot of expectations for him in his rookie season.

Pearce signed a deal worth $16.8 million for four years and has an $8.8 million signing bonus. He will also have high expectations as the Falcons gave up a decent haul to trade up and pick him with the 26th pick.

The Falcons also signed Xavier Watts, Billy Bowman and Jack Nelson to contracts as well, as all five rookies attended the Falcons rookie minicamp. These three will also look to make an impact this season as they will battle for starting positions.

Walker and Pearce are locked in for the next four seasons as they both look to be high impact players for this roster that has struggled getting to the quarterback in recent years. The Falcons have now signed all their draft picks and will look to continue building their roster for 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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