James Pearce Getting Huge Pay Day From Atlanta Falcons
Image: Ian Rapoport
By Cody McClure
Back in April the Atlanta Falcons selected VFL James Pearce at No. 26 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Now that we are a couple of weeks post-draft, some contract details have emerged on the elite pass rusher.
The Falcons will be paying Pearce a fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $16.8 million according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. It is a four-year deal.
Additionally, Pearce will receive a signing bonus of $8.8 million. Not bad for a rookie.
The former UT edge rusher shined during the NFL scouting combine, posting an incredible 4.47 in the 40-yard dash.
Last week it was announced that Pearce would be sticking with his college number, 27, in the pros — so he won’t be hard to spot on the field.
He’s expected to make an immediate impact along with Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker, whom the Falcons also selected in the first round.
Atlanta’s pass rush concerns should be put to ease after this year’s draft haul.
They got a good one in Pearce. It’s nice to see him get his pay day.