Atlanta Falcons EDGE James Pearce, a former Tennessee Vols standout, is in position to have the charges stemming from his February arrest dismissed.

Pearce, who had a terrific rookie season with the Falcons in 2025, was arrested after an altercation with ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a former Lady Vols star.

The former Vol was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.

ESPN reported in April that Pearce was offered an intervention program to avoid trial.

“James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, along with misdemeanor stalking, his attorney said,” read a report from ESPN on April 23. “Pearce’s attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN that Pearce must stay away from his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and participate in therapy as part of the stipulations of the six-month intervention program, which is run by an outside third party.”

Pearce returned to the Falcons in June and took part in the team’s minicamp.

But while Pearce is in position to have the charges against him dismissed — provided he follows the steps of the intervention program — it doesn’t mean that he’s going to avoid NFL discipline.

ESPN reported on Monday that Pearce is still expected to be suspended by the NFL, though the length of a potential suspension is unknown.

“Pearce is expected to be disciplined by the NFL for his arrest in February on charges that included aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly rammed his vehicle into a car driven by his ex-girlfriend,” wrote ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “How long that suspension will be and when it will be issued are still unknown. From a legal perspective, as long as he stays out of trouble for a year while passing drug tests and keeping away from his ex-girlfriend, those charges — including felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felony fleeing the police — will be dropped.”

As long as Pearce stays out of further trouble, he’s going to get a chance to keep his NFL career going. The arrest in February, however, must serve as a wake-up call for the Charlotte native — it may be the last chance he gets.