Falcons selected two pass rushers in NFL’s 2025 draft and neither might be available to start 2026
The Atlanta Falcons had a plan when they selected not one, but two, edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It almost certainly didn't include opening the 2026 season without either of them.
But that's the strong possibility staring the Falcons in the face now.
It begins with the fact the team fears linebacker Jalon Walker tore the ACL in his left knee during practice on Tuesday.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
The club, meanwhile, is holding its proverbial breath as linebacker James Pearce Jr. opened training camp with the specter of an NFL Conduct Policy suspension to start the season hanging over him following offseason legal troubles.
For a club looking to compete in the very winnable NFC South, the uncertainty about their pass rush is now a priority.
The terrible news first:
Walker will have an MRI to confirm the status of his injury suffered in practice on Tuesday. But the club is deeply concerned because tests by doctors on the knee showed a possibility, if not a probability, the second-year player suffered ACL damage.
Walker lay on the field following the injury and his teammates immediately knew something was wrong. Teammates kneeled nearby, some prayed as they looked on, and Walker was eventually carted off the field.
The moment was so emotionally draining and jarring that coach Kevin Stefanski immediately called a halt to the day's practice. The session was cut by about 40-45 minutes.
If the ACL injury is confirmed by the MRI, Walker's 2026 season would be over after only one week of training camp.
ATTORNEY FOR DENVER BRONCOS DEFENDER JONATHON COOPER PLAYS RACE CARD IN DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE
Then there is the serious concern that could make the Atlanta pass rush wobbly on both sides to start the season:
Pearce was arrested Feb. 7 following an incident involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, resisting an officer with violence and misdemeanor stalking. Yes, that's a lot.
But in April, once lawyers got involved, Pearce reached an agreement with prosecutors to enter into a six-month pretrial intervention program.
Part of the deal is that it required no admission of guilt by Pearce and carried no jail time. Under the agreement, the charges would be dismissed if Pearce successfully completes all conditions of the program.
So Pearce will not be going to jail and will be able to play if he complies.
But ...
The NFL could nonetheless determine Pearce violated its Personal Conduct Policy.
The league has continued to review the matter and Commissioner Roger Goodell can impose discipline regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings. The NFL has publicly stated it has been monitoring the case, and Pearce could still face a suspension or other discipline if the league determines his conduct violated its standards.
So, worst case, the Falcons could be without either of its 2025 draft picks to start the season.
The club could turn to backups. Atlanta could also look to add free agent help. But that well is not exactly brimming with possibilities other than veterans such as Joey Bosa or Haason Reddick, who may or may not wish to join a team like the Falcons that have uncertain playoff possibilities.
