A few months back, Terry Fontenot’s decision to send the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick to the Rams raised more than a few eyebrows. At the time, it looked risky-borderline reckless.
James Pearce Jr., the player Atlanta moved up to get, stumbled out of the gate, and the Falcons’ early-season struggles had that pick trending toward the top 10. But fast forward to now, and the narrative has flipped on its head.
Pearce has caught fire over the past two months, transforming from a question mark into a cornerstone. And he’s not alone.
Xavier Watts, the third-round safety Atlanta also landed in that same deal, has been nothing short of a revelation. Together, they’ve injected new life into Jeff Ulbrich’s defense and reshaped the outlook for a unit that was desperate for difference-makers.
That trade-initially viewed as a gamble-has become one of the defining moves of the Falcons’ season.
Raheem Morris Isn’t Second-Guessing It-and Why Should He?
With Atlanta and Los Angeles set to square off on Monday Night Football, the timing couldn’t be better to revisit the trade that linked them. Head coach Raheem Morris made it clear this week: he’s not losing sleep over the decision to deal away that future first.
“Us getting [Xavier Watts] in the third and James Pearce Jr. for a first-round pick? Sign me up,” Morris said.
It’s a sentiment that mirrors how many Falcons fans are feeling now. There was skepticism at the time-and understandably so.
Giving up a future first-rounder is always a bold move, especially when your season is on shaky ground. But when the players you get in return start producing like this?
That changes everything.
Pearce and Watts Are Playing Like Defensive Building Blocks
Let’s talk production, because that’s where this trade really shines. Pearce leads all rookies-and the Falcons-with 8.5 sacks.
He’s become a force off the edge, flashing the speed, power, and relentless motor that made him such an intriguing prospect out of Tennessee. He’s not just holding his own-he’s setting the tone.
Then there’s Watts. The former Notre Dame standout has made a seamless transition to the NFL, showcasing the same instincts and ball skills that made him a star in South Bend.
He’s on pace to eclipse 100 tackles and leads all rookies with three interceptions. That’s not just solid-it’s elite-level production from a third-round pick.
And here's the kicker: Watts has arguably outplayed Jessie Bates this season. That’s not a knock on Bates-it’s a testament to how quickly Watts has adapted and how impactful he’s been in the back end of this defense.
A Bold Gamble That’s Paying Off
Trades like this are the kind that define front offices. Fontenot and the Falcons didn’t just take a swing-they went for the fences.
Giving up a future first and a second-rounder isn’t a small price, but when the return is a potential franchise pass rusher and a high-level safety? That’s a win in any book.
Especially when you consider what the Rams did with those picks. That second-rounder turned into Terrance Ferguson, who has just nine catches in his rookie campaign. It’s early, sure, but the contrast in impact between Ferguson and the Falcons’ rookies is stark.
Monday Night: A Proving Ground
This week’s matchup with the Rams brings added layers. It’s a reunion of sorts-Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson both have ties to L.A.-but it’s also a spotlight moment for Pearce and Watts. Primetime games have a way of shaping narratives, and this one offers both players a chance to further validate the trade that brought them to Atlanta.
If Pearce keeps hunting quarterbacks and Watts continues to patrol the secondary with the same poise and playmaking ability, the Falcons won’t just feel good about the trade-they’ll feel like they stole the show.
So yes, the price was steep. But if the early returns are any indication, Atlanta may have pulled off one of the smartest moves of the 2025 draft.