Falcons Add Veteran Tackle After McGary Retires

Pearce Jr. misses voluntary workouts amid legal troubles

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football field and players, with sharp geometric shapes in shades of red, blue, and green, conveying the multifaceted challenges facing the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.The Falcons' offseason is marked by both personnel changes and legal troubles, creating a complex landscape for the team to navigate.Kansas City Today

The Atlanta Falcons had an eventful start to their offseason program this week, as star pass rusher James Pearce Jr. did not report to voluntary workouts amid legal issues, while the team signed veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to replace the retired Kaleb McGary.

Why it matters

Pearce's absence due to his recent arrest is a significant concern for the Falcons, as he was a key part of their pass rush that set a team record with 57 sacks last season. The addition of Taylor provides an experienced replacement for McGary at a critical position protecting the team's left-handed quarterbacks.

The details

Pearce was arrested near Miami in February on several felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, as well as a misdemeanor stalking charge. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team has been in communication with Pearce's representatives, but declined to provide further details. Meanwhile, the Falcons signed Taylor to a one-year, $5 million deal with $1 million in incentives to fill the void left by McGary's retirement.

  • On February 7, Pearce was arrested near Miami.
  • On March 5, the Chiefs released Taylor in a cost-cutting move.
  • On April 8, Stefanski announced Pearce's absence from the Falcons' voluntary offseason workouts.
  • On April 9, the Falcons announced McGary's retirement.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A standout pass rusher for the Atlanta Falcons who led the team with 10.5 sacks in 2025, but is currently facing several felony charges related to an incident with his former girlfriend.

Bijan Robinson

The Falcons' star running back who earned AP first-team All-Pro honors in 2025 after amassing 2,298 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns.

Jawaan Taylor

A veteran offensive tackle who the Falcons signed to a one-year, $5 million deal with $1 million in incentives to replace the retired Kaleb McGary.

Kaleb McGary

The Falcons' former starting right tackle who announced his retirement after missing the 2025 season with a lower left leg injury.

Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons' new head coach who addressed Pearce's absence from voluntary workouts and the team's signing of Taylor.

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What they’re saying

“If he does come back, if he's here in this building, I'm going to make sure that he's all the way focused, all the way ready to go, make sure his mind is in the right place, so he can be at his best on and off the field.”

— Bijan Robinson, Falcons running back

“Obviously, we're aware of the most recent articles and things that have come out regarding James Pearce. Those are concerning, right, to say the least, but outside of that, I'll just keep it just very similar to what we said at the combine. We're not going to comment on an open legal matter here moving forward.”

— Ian Cunningham, Falcons general manager

What’s next

The Falcons will continue to monitor Pearce's legal situation and determine his future with the team. The team will also work to integrate Taylor into their offensive line and provide protection for their left-handed quarterbacks.

The takeaway

The Falcons are facing a challenging offseason with the loss of a key defensive player in Pearce and the retirement of their starting right tackle in McGary. However, the team has taken steps to address these issues by signing veteran tackle Jawaan Taylor and expressing support for Pearce to get his off-field issues resolved.