Bernard Pierce to Sign with Jets: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The New York Jets are reportedly set to sign veteran running back Bernard Pierce, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com. ESPN.com's Adam Caplan noted that Pierce still has to serve a two-game suspension when the regular season begins.

The team could make room for Pierce on the roster by placing a player on the physically unable to perform list, per Connor Hughes of NJ Advance Media, with Muhammad Wilkerson, Devin Smith and Khiry Robinson all possibilities. However, Caplan, citing a source, reported that the Jets are expected to waive running back Zac Stacy, who had surgery in November and failed his physical.

Pierce, 26, spent his first three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, accumulating 1,334 rushing yards and five touchdowns, largely as a backup. He was cut by the team in March 2015, however, after he was arrested and charged with DUI.

He was quickly claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he had a minimal impact with the team, appearing in seven games and rushing just six times for 11 yards while adding three receptions for seven yards.

Making the team in New York won't be easy. Matt Forte is entrenched as the starter after signing with the team in the offseason, while Bilal Powell is a nice backup. Robinson is also on the roster, though he is recovering from a broken leg.

Forte and Powell are locks to make the roster, while Rich Cimini of ESPN.com envisioned a role for Robinson:

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Robinson is the mystery man. He played well in spurts for the New Orleans Saints, but he never was able to create a permanent niche. Some people say he's a poor man's Ivory because of his physical running style. He could wind up as the short-yardage/goal-line back (fantasy alert). Don't be surprised if he starts camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Robinson sat out the offseason as he recovered from a broken leg, but he should be good to go in the preseason.

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Cimini previously reported the Jets would ideally like to keep four running backs. Regardless, earning a roster spot will be an uphill battle for Pierce as he enters a crowded backfield. 

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