Oakland Raiders Free Agency: Rating The Moves So Far

Roy Helu

Nov 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu Jr (20) runs for a second quarter touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts safety LaRon Landry (30) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

With the retirement of Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden becoming a free agent, and Kory Sheets possibly returning to Canada, the Raiders only had two running backs left on the active roster George Atkinson III and Latavius Murray. Atkinson III was restricted to mostly return duties and Murray was excellent when healthy but only had 10+ carries in four games last season.

Enter Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins who, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, signed a two year deal worth over $4 million. That is an excellent price for a productive player who has been overshadowed by Alfred Morris in Washington. Helu has done most of his damage in the passing game at Washington with 129 catches and 1,152 yards in four season including an injury shortened 2012 campaign. He can serve as a change of pace back to Murray and as a third down back with a reputation in the passing game.

Helu can also be counted on in case of injury to Latavius Murray as he has been productive when called upon to start. In three out of  four games Helu had over 20 carries, he topped 100 yards rushing and averaged over four yards a carry. The former Nebraska running back will not be asked to be the feature back for Oakland but he has shown over the years that he can add a different dimension to any offense.

Rating: 7/10

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