Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers Announce Signing Of WR Cecil Shorts

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a one year deal with former Texans and Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts, adding some much needed experience and depth to the receiving corps.

For a team short on wide receiver depth, the Houston Texans cutting Cecil Shorts provided some intrigue. It wasn’t long before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought him in and didn’t let him leave without a deal. Shorts was brought in for a workout today and was quickly signed to a one year, “prove it” deal with the Bucs.

Shorts, who was considered a solid weapon in Jacksonville, was a somewhat surprising cut by the Texans who opted to go with rookie Braxton Miller despite restructuring Shorts’ contract.

Shorts played one season under Dirk Koetter in Jacksonville, giving him some familiarity with the offense which should allow him to get on the field a bit faster. It seems unlikely he would play Sunday given the short period of time to truly get up to speed unless Shorts would handle return duties, something he has done in the past.

Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) with the ball in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Texans 24-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

A fourth round pick in 2011, Shorts is still only 28 and hasn’t suffered the wear and tear of most 28 year old receivers. He has 218 career receptions for 2,827 yards and 14 touchdowns. His career highs in receiving are 66 receptions (2013), 979 yards (2012), and seven touchdowns (2012).

In order to make room on the roster, the Buccaneers waived receiver Evan Spencer. It’s heartbreaking for the young man who survived two rounds of cuts to make the active roster only to be cut five days from the first game. Should he clear waivers, it seems like a certainty he would return to the practice squad.

Other Buccaneers news today includes former Falcons and Bears running back and kick returner Jacquizz Rodgers came in for a workout today but left without a contract.

What do you think Buccaneers fans? Do you like the move? Love it? Hate it? Indifferent? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter!

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