Houston Texans Sign WR Cecil Shorts III

The Houston Texans added depth to their lackluster receiving corps by signing twenty-seven year old wide receiver Cecil Shorts III. The deal was first reported by Fox Sports Ohio’s Zac Jackson, and later confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Caplan. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the deal is worth $6 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed.

Shorts played his college career at Mount Union College, where he earned Associated Press first-team Little All-America honors for two consecutive years. He was also an All American Track star during his time at Mount Union.

Shorts was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft, 144th overall. The six-foot receiver broke out during his second season with the team, compiling nearly 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. In his four seasons in Jacksonville, he recorded 2,343 yards and 12 touchdowns in 50 games.

Shorts biggest red flag is his inability to stay healthy. In 2013, he was placed on injured reserve after week fifteen due to a season-long battle with groin and shoulder injuries. He has also dealt with multiple hamstring injuries, as well as a concussion in 2012. The concussion was first listed on the week 14 injury report and resulted in a season-ending placement on injury reserve.

Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) against the Tennessee Titans works out prior to the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars opted to let Shorts walk after his rookie contract due to his injury history after the emergence of several rookie wide receivers last season. Marquise Lee, Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Ace Sanders all stepped in last season for the team and, when healthy, all contributed well. Former first round pick Justin Blackmon is currently serving an indefinite ban from the league after several violations of the drug policy. Team officials said they don’t expect Blackmon to return any time soon.

The Houston Texans receiving corps was severely diminished with the release of Andre Johnson, who holds several team records. They were left with DeAndre Hopkins, Damaris Johnson and Keshawn Martin at the position before the signing of Shorts monday afternoon. Hopkins is expected to be their number one receiver after completing his first 1,000 yard season in 2014, but some anticipate Head Coach Bill O’Brien to look into the draft for options.

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