Falcons consider free agents Clowney and Barnett amid Pearce suspension uncertainty
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 1:25 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
James Pearce Jr. returned to the Atlanta Falcons for mandatory minicamp amid ongoing legal troubles. Although Pearce may avoid criminal charges if he completes an intervention program, a suspension from the NFL is still likely, affecting his availability for the upcoming season. To bolster their defense, analysts suggest the Falcons should target free agents Jadeveon Clowney or Derek Barnett if Pearce is sidelined. Barnett, previously with the Philadelphia Eagles, brings consistent pressure, while Clowney had a strong season with the Dallas Cowboys despite previous struggles.
- •Pearce returns to Falcons for mandatory minicamp.
- •Legal issues could lead to a suspension for Pearce.
- •Analysts link Falcons to free agents Clowney and Barnett.
- •Barnett averages 5 sacks per season over the last two years.
- •Clowney had 8.5 sacks last season with the Cowboys.
- 1:25 PMYahoo Sports — Analyst names 2 free agents for Falcons if James Pearce is suspended
"B/R links Falcons to Jadeveon Clowney, Derek Barnett
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