While the Jets carried the curse of John Abraham at edge rusher for over a decade, the Falcons also struggled mightily to replace the since-retired pass rusher. Despite first-round picks, notable free agency additions and a 2024 trade, Atlanta has come up empty in its search for consistent EDGE presences.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Jalon Walker was getting a ride to Charlotte, North Carolina, late Thursday night from his home in Salisbury, N.C. He was scheduled to fly to the Atlanta Falcons ' facility the next morning on the team's private jet. Little did he know, he would have company.

Moments after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walked to the draft stage’s podium in Green Bay to announce the Atlanta Falcons were using the 26th overall pick to select Pearce, cameras switched to the pass rusher’s home in North Carolina.