The 28-year-old defender, who was released from Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen in January, has been training with the Pirates for the last few days.
Manager Dave Penney said: "He's sorted out his contract at Aberdeen in the January window, which means he's a free agent which suits us because we have enough loans in at the moment. We want people who are looking to earn a contract which Jerel is.
"The players we are bringing in all have something to prove and Jerel wants to earn himself a contract back in England and here's a chance for him, though whether that's here or elsewhere we will have to see.
"He's a no nonsense defender and that's what we want. When I was playing centre halves used to head it and kick it as far out of the box as possible and sometimes players get confused about what people want. Everyone thinks they are a footballer now but there are times when, as a defender you get the ball out of the box as far as you can.
"There's a time and a place to play but at this moment in time we need to get the ball out of the box as quickly as possible because every time the ball comes into our box at the moment it looks as though the opposition will score."
Source: PA
Source: PA