Jets Sign RB Bernard Pierce

According to multiple sources the NY Jets have signed running back Bernard Pierce.  Pierce is a 6' 0 '', 215 pound, 25 year old running back originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft.  Pierce played for the Ravens from 2012 through 2014, and played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. His best year in the NFL was his rookie year in 2012, when he rushed for 532 yards on 108 carries for a 4.9 yards per carry average. Every year since 2012 Pierce has been a well below average back, averaging less than 4 yards per carry in each year from 2013 through 2015.  For his career Pierce has rushed for 1345 yards on 359 carries for a 3.7 yard average, and has 32 receptions for 171 yards for a 5.3 yards per reception average.

Pierce has been a well below average runner and receiver every year since his rookie year.  It is difficult to see how he can help this team unless the Jets suffer multiple injuries at the running back position.  Pierce missed the last six games of 2015 with a calf injury and is currently slated for a two game suspension to start the 2016 season for a DUI arrest while playing with the Ravens.  Unless Pierce can return to something resembling his rookie year form, or he proves to be a special teams ace (unlikely given his career total of 2 tackles), this looks like a camp body move.   Pierce will replace Zac Stacy on the roster, who is expected to be waived due to failing his physical.