Walker and Pearce join fellow edge Leonard Floyd as new pass-rush editions to the Falcons’ locker room. Floyd, who’s entering his 10th season in the league at 32 years old, was a free agency signing back in March. The 6-foot-3 and 240-pound veteran has totaled at least 8.5 sacks in each of the last five seasons, with a peak of 10.5 in 2020 and 2023.

Otherwise, the Falcons return two of their top three sack producers from last season: outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (six) and inside linebacker Kaden Elliss (five). The third, outside linebacker Matthew Judon (5.5), remains a free agent.

“Make no mistake about it: It is very hard to find pass rushers, and it is very hard to get out there on your first day and do it,” Fontenot said. “But I got so much confidence in the people in the building to be able to go out there help these guys go out there and be the best version of themselves every single time.”

Jeff Ulbrich has been tasked with improving the Falcons’ pass rush as the new defensive coordinator. He has a strong history of doing so, too. His last team, the New York Jets, tied for 11th in sacks when he doubled as the interim head coach in 2024, but they were seventh in both 2022 and 2023 when he served solely the defensive coordinator.

“He is one of those coaches that he’s going to have a clear vision, he’s going to know how he’s going to use them and how he’s going to continue to develop them,” Fontenot said. “So, Brich is obviously excited today.”

Both Walker and Pearce will be in Atlanta on Friday for their introductory press conference, among other team-related responsibilities. Their first taste of on-field work isn’t too far off in the future, with the Falcons’ three-day rookie minicamp scheduled to begin May 9.

The draft obviously is over yet, either. The Falcons still have three pickings remaining – No. 101 near the end of Round 3 and then No. 118 in Round 4 and No. 218 in Round 7. But, so far, the rookie class consists of Walker and Pearce, and the Falcons are pretty pleased about that.

“Both pressure players, true pressure players,” Fontenot said. “Two of the better rushers in the SEC. That’s exciting. That’s really exciting. So, a lot of work went into this. It was a good night.”