Falcons add three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith after James Pearce Jr. suspension
The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive end Za'Darius Smith, the team said Tuesday. Smith, who somewhat abruptly announced his retirement last October, will boost a front that has recently lost Jalon Walker to a season-ending torn ACL and James Pearce Jr. to an eight-game suspension following his February arrest after a domestic dispute. Walker and Pearce accounted for nearly 30 percent of…
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has commented on the NFL's eight-game suspension of star pass rusher James Pearce Jr. last week. The suspension came after Pearce was arrested for a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend Rickea Jackson. In response to the punishment, Stefanski stated that the team will comply with the league's process and remain fully compliant with their own protocols.
He also affirmed that Pearce has been adhering to the team's expectations and will continue to do so while facing the suspension. The Falcons plan to have Pearce participate in their remaining preseason games, allowing him to gain valuable experience and integrate into the new defensive scheme under the new head coach. Pearce is considered the Falcons' best defender and one of the league's top edge rushers, making his absence during the initial part of the season potentially costly for the team.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
