Falcons get huge news on embattled edge James Pearce Jr.

The biggest cloud hanging over the Atlanta Falcons franchise in recent months has been the status of their second-year edge rusher, James Pearce Jr.

After trading up in last year's draft to take him in Round 1, Pearce delivered a promising rookie season in the NFL, totaling 10.5 sacks and helping make Atlanta's pass rush a real threat for the first time in ages.

However, this offseason Pearce was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon against his former girlfriend WNBA player Rickea Jackson when he rammed his car into hers. Pearce was also charged with stalking, fleeing police and resisting arrest.

Now we have a big update on Pearce's legal situation. According to a report by ESPN, Pearce has been offered a path to completely avoid trial. Among other stipulations, he has to avoid contact with Jackson and avoid getting into trouble while do a six-month therapy program.

"Pearce's attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN that Pearce must stay away from his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson and participate in therapy as part of the stipulations of the six-month intervention program, which is run by an outside third party..."

Obviously it's good news for the Falcons - if Pearce can manage to stick to the script and return to the field.

The bigger story is that it doesn't feel right that Pearce could walk away with no real repercussions. One can't help but wonder how different his treatment would be if he wasn't playing in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN: Falcons OLB James Pearce Jr. offered path to avoid trial