The Atlanta Falcons have officially signed James Pearce Jr.

The former standout Tennessee edge rusher was taken by the franchise as the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft last month.

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The rookie contract, which the franchise announced that Pearce had signed Monday, is worth $16.8 million with a $8.8 million signing bonus, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Pearce was one of four Vols players taken in the draft and the only first round pick after a standout career in three seasons at Tennessee.

Pearce, a former four-star prospect in the 2022 signing class, burst onto the scene with the Vols as a sophomore in 2023.

He was a First Team All-SEC selection that season after totaling 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and one interception.

After moving into the top 10 of most mock draft boards, Pearce had 38 tackles, 13 TFL, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble last season.

Pearce is the first player recruited by Josh Heupel to go in the first round. Now he will look to carry over his success to the NFL.

"Just be effective," Pearce told reporters following a mini camp practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia last Friday. "I'm not going to put numbers on it or stuff like that. Everybody knows the sky's the limit, so I've just got to work.

“Whatever I get out of it, that's the work I put into it."

MORE FROM VOLREPORT: Browns sign former Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson

Pearce is the latest former Tennessee player to ink a rookie deal.

Former running back Dylan Sampson and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr.—both fourth round picks— each signed deals with the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively last week.

Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, who was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round, has yet to sign.

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