Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts Could Target Similar Contract To Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin

Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times Union believes the recent contract signed by Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin could be a comparable contract for Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Baldwin managed to secure a three-year, $13 million contract that includes $8.5 million guaranteed from Seattle a few weeks ago.

The two players production is actually fairly similar to one another.

• Baldwin (25): Three years, 46 games, 130 catches, 1,932 yards and 12 touchdowns.
• Shorts (26): Three years, 37 games, 123 catches, 1,786 yards and 11 touchdowns.

O’Halloran also lists the contracts of Andre Robert (Redskins), Riley Cooper (Eagles) and Eddie Royal (Chargers) as other comparative deals that Shorts’ representatives could target in talks with Jacksonville.

Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell told the Florida Times-Union not too long ago that they have had some “general discussions” with Shorts’ reps regarding a possible contract extension.

“We’ve had some general discussions with his representation,” Caldwell said. “Obviously, we want him here for the long haul. He’s a valuable part of our organization and we’d love to at some point in time take care of Cecil.”

Shorts, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and stands to make just $739,383 for the 2014 season. He has been the Jaguars most reliable receiver for the past few years and is clearly due for a raise.

Jacksonville has said that they are no longer counting on former first-round pick Justin Blackmon, which prompted them to use a second and third-round pick on USC WR Marqise Lee and Penn State WR Allen Robinson, so there is an increased amount of competition at the receiver position.

Keeping Shorts would give them a much improvement receiver tandem for first-round pick Blake Bortles to work with in the coming years.

Last season, Shorts caught 66 receptions for 777 yards receiving and three touchdowns.