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Falcons Release Jackson, Ivey Amid Pearce's Return
3 Nov
Summary
- Falcons cut defensive ends Drake Jackson and Jared Ivey Monday.
- James Pearce Jr. was reinstated after an eight-game suspension.
- Pearce faced aggravated stalking and battery charges near Miami.

The Atlanta Falcons released defensive end Drake Jackson and defensive end/linebacker Jared Ivey on Monday. These moves occurred on the same day that defensive end James Pearce Jr. was reinstated to the team after serving an eight-game suspension.
Pearce, 23, was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. His suspension stemmed from an arrest near Miami in February, where he faced charges including aggravated stalking and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Some charges were later modified, and he entered a diversion program as part of a plea agreement.
In 2025, Pearce was a first-round draft pick and earned third-place votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year, recording 10.5 sacks. Jackson, 25, played in two games for the Falcons this season without recording statistics. Ivey, 24, played in seven games, accumulating eight tackles and one sack.