Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight regular-season games of the 2026 season without pay for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. The suspension, announced by the league, stems from his arrest on Feb. 7 on multiple felony charges related to an alleged domestic dispute with then-girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a WNBA player.
Pearce will be eligible to participate in all preseason activities and can return to the active roster on November 2, following the team's eighth regular-season game. He spent one night in jail following his arrest before being released on a $20,500 bond.
Initially, Pearce faced felony charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. A felony aggravated stalking charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor, and a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. Pearce's attorneys confirmed in April that he would enter a six-month pretrial diversion program, which, upon successful completion, would lead to the dismissal of all felony and misdemeanor charges.
According to a criminal complaint, Jackson told police that Pearce followed her vehicle in his Lamborghini SUV, attempted to open her car door at a red light, and then intentionally collided with and cut off her vehicle. In an arrest affidavit, police stated that Pearce refused an initial order to get on the ground and subsequently drove away, striking a police officer's knee with his own in an attempt to evade arrest.
Jackson, who reportedly dated Pearce for approximately three years before their separation shortly before the alleged incident, filed for a protective order in February, expressing fear for her life. Court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail indicate she accused Pearce of verbal and physical abuse on multiple occasions and alleged he threatened to kill her.
Pearce's legal team has maintained his innocence, stating that allegations do not represent the complete story.
Despite the looming suspension, Pearce has been present at the Falcons' training camp, with head coach Kevin Stefanski noting his positive approach to football and adherence to team expectations. Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles also commented on Pearce's conduct, indicating the organization was awaiting the league's official decision.
Pearce was a first-round pick for the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected 26th overall after the team traded back into the first round. He recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie. The Falcons will also be without rookie Jalon Walker for part of the season due to an ACL tear sustained in training camp. Pearce is expected to miss games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Giants before his eligible return for the November 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.