What happened: Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter a pretrial intervention program. This allows him to avoid trial on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. His attorney confirmed the arrangement.

Why it matters: Off-field legal issues could impact Pearce's availability and Falcons' linebacker depth amid 2026 offseason roster planning. NFL teams monitor such cases for potential discipline or release risks.

What to watch: Watch for Falcons statement on roster status and potential NFL conduct review.