2025 NFL Draft: Contract details revealed for Falcons first round pick James Pearce

The contract details have been revealed for James Pearce who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Per Spotrac, Pearce is expected to sign a four-year contract (with a fifth-year option) for $15,175,838 with a signing bonus of $7,676,970.

James Pearce was a dynamic pass rusher for Tennessee. He was named to the All-SEC First Team last year, recording 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. In 2023, Pearce was an All-SEC First-Team selection after posting 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

“Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher. The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme and he created havoc from a variety of entry points,” Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com wrote in his draft rankings. “His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush. When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. They clear the runway for him and he goes to work. 

Draft experts have strong things to say about James Pearce

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com gave a draft analysis of Pearce and said he would either go in the first or second round. Pearce was compared to Odafe Oweh a former first-round pick who is with the Baltimore Ravens and had 10 sacks last year.

“Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top,” Zierlein wrote. “His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket. He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited.

“Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling.”