He's pretty close to the prototypical WR2 for the system we're trying to put in place....and he's an incredibly solid WR2. Just because he struggled as a WR1 with Gabbert and Bortles as QB on a completely inept team doesn't mean that he wouldn't do great as a WR2. In fact, even with the inept QB play and coaching of the Jags, he did great the last time he was in the WR2 role.
I think Shorts is solid...I have no problems with the signing. I do think that he has some shortcomings though. And he may be a WR2, but if you look around the league, there are plenty of WR2 that are much better than him. Not saying this to take away from what he will bring to the team though. However, if we are going to compare, then how does Shorts compare to players like Golden Tate, Emmanuel Sanders, Roddy White, Alshon Jeffery (at least in 2014), Eric Decker, Randall Cobb, Victor Cruz, etc...? When you look at names around the league, I say Shorts has potential for low end WR2...but he is good for this team because he is quick enough to play the slot as well. He needs to be moved around to be effective, whereas he wouldnt do much damage as strictly a WR2.
Not really relevant; this is about system not individual players. No one in their right mind would take Danny Amendola over any of the players you listed. But he's in a system that maximizes his strengths and makes him a ridiculously valuable asset.
I was mostly referring to Shorts as "great" in the WR2 role for the Jags. Of course, system matters. Having said that, you dont necessarily have to settle for talent. If Amendola could be replaced by Eric Decker, you make that move. Amendola is good for the system, but the system is made better with more talent.
Because people are literally touting him as a WR1 capable addition and using those stats to back it. His salary is on point. Mediocre player that I'm glad to have, sure, but he's not catapulting us anywhere.
I don't disagree, re: system/talent - but do you want to spend a few minutes comparing the QBs throwing to all those WR2s you listed ahead of Shorts? Throughout his career, he's been *exactly* what this team needs: 50-60 catches; 700-ish yards with some big plays. If they can upgrade the TEs, this is going to be a very dangerous offense with *a lot* of weapons.
Pretty solid signing in my book. I always thought Cecil had potential and at the very least, he's proven serviceable...which texans don't have many WR that you can say that about. I'm actually optimistic about him being able to break through, but we'll have to see.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Man, Cecil Shorts gets on DB in a hurry if it's off coverage. Generated 2 or 3 illegal contact flags on Texans DB in 1H alone as result.</p>— John Harris (@jharrisfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/jharrisfootball/status/577853823022026752">March 17, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Texans just got an amazing player in <a href="https://twitter.com/CecilShortsIII">@CecilShortsIII</a> great guy on & off the field. Very hard worker & hungry to be great! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigYearAhead?src=hash">#BigYearAhead</a></p>— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) <a href="https://twitter.com/JForsett/status/577560283507474432">March 16, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Cecil Shorts two-year, $6M Texans deal $2.5M gtd, $1M bonus, salaries $1M, $2.75M, 2015 base $750K gtd, $15,625 per game '15-16 roster bonus</p>— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/status/578568989724553216">March 19, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
