Episode Details

James Pearce Jr.’s looming six-game suspension could shake up the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive plans in 2026. Legal updates clarify his probation-like intervention program, but NFL precedent still points to significant time lost under the league’s personal conduct policy. Will the Falcons’ pass rush stay afloat as they await Pearce’s return, or could new faces emerge as game-changers?

Aaron Freeman breaks down the broader contract ramifications for Atlanta’s 2023 draft class, spotlighting Matthew Bergeron’s potential market-setting deal and Zach Harrison’s breakout potential as an interior pass rusher. Key talking points include positional value on the offensive line, the economics of NFL free agency, and how young defenders like Jalon Walker and Brandon Dorlus could reshape Atlanta’s pass-rush identity. The countdown to Week 1 just got a lot more intriguing for Falcons fans seeking answers about roster stability and breakout stars.

#atlantafalcons #nfl #jamespearce #rogergoodell #zachharrison #matthewbergeron #freeagency #nfldraft #clarkphillips #bijanrobinson #demarccohellams

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-falcons/

Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, & More 
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl

Become a Locked On Falcons Insider for in-depth analysis every day! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonfalcons

Join our Discord server! https://discord.gg/lockedonfalcons

Everydayer Club 
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonfalcons.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

Square 
If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. 

Indeed 
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. 

Gametime 
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. 

Rugiet 
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 

FanDuel 
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-88