While many eyes were on the prospects waiting to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, it was a player taken in the first round a year ago who caught the media’s attention ahead of opening night.

James Pearce Jr, a first-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons a year ago, continues to face three felony charges (aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence) and one misdemeanour charge (stalking) after an incident with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson, in February. Despite professing his innocence, Pearce and his legal team are working on a deal that would see all charges dismissed, provided Pearce participates in a programme that includes therapy sessions and a six-month probation period.

According to reports, the deal has the blessing of Jackson and the police but, while it could lead to Pearce staying out of jail, it doesn’t mean he would escape the attention of the NFL. Under the personal conduct policy, the baseline punishment for domestic violence is a six-game suspension, during which time Pearce would not be paid, but the league can take other factors into account, potentially leading to a longer ban.

Pearce was a notable playmaker during his rookie season with the Falcons, notching 10.5 quarterback sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The Falcons traded away their 2026 first-round pick to move back into the first round in 2025 to select Pearce, who played his college ball for Tennessee, but, with shiny new things flying off draft boards this weekend, when he next sees the field is likely down to the NFL.