The Texans have cut wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 (on Twitter). Running back Akeem Hunt has also been shown the door, and ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweets that defensive lineman Brandon Dunn has been waived.
Last year was Shorts’ first season in Houston and he compiled 42 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns. Shorts also returned 11 punts, his first special teams action since 2011. For his efforts last season, Pro Football Focus ranked him 90th among 121 eligible receivers. Before joining the Texans, Shorts spent four seasons with the Jaguars. His best season came in 2012, when he caught 55 passes for 979 yards and seven touchdowns. Following the 2014 season, Shorts joined the Texans on a two-year, $6MM deal.
At one point in time, Shorts had a chance to be the team’s third wide receiver, sitting behind DeAndre Hopkins and rookie Will Fuller.
Thanks to the departures of Shorts and Hunt, along with the bevy of players who received their walking papers yesterday, the Texans were already close to finalizing their 53-man roster.
The team officially announced the team’s roster moves, which included a new addition in linebacker Eric Lee.
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