The Oakland Raiders may have failed to add one of the offensive stars in free agency, but that doesn't mean that they didn't get a player who can provide an impact. Poaching running back Roy Helu from the Washington Redskins was a good move, even if it wasn't the headlines grabbing signing that Raiders fan were hoping for.
Helu is both a quality rusher and pass-catcher out of the backfield. He's been very productive in a limited role during his time in D.C., averaging 5.4 yards a carry on 40 attempts and 11.4 yards per receptions on 42 catches last year.
Helu, 26, will fit nicely in Oakland's new up-tempo offense, which will feature a no-huddle approach under offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. His role may still be limited, but he is a good bet to produce and an under-the-radar fantasy gem in deeper leagues.
Latavius Murray and Trent Richardson will battle it out for the starting job but neither is a sure thing. Murray has just 82 career carries and Richardson has now flamed out for two teams that spent a first round pick to acquire him. If either disappoints in a big way, Helu could be looking at some extra playing time.
ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson believes Helu can mirror what running back Shane Vereen did for the New England Patriots last season. Vereen had 148 total touches in 2014.
"While he isn't great in protection, I think he will be a very valuable piece and a quick safe option for Derek Carr in this up-tempo passing game and offense overall," Williamson said. "Helu has been extremely productive on a per-snap basis."
We've seen teams make big, splashy offseason signings in the past only for them to fail during the regular season (see: Redskins, Eagles). Maybe the Raiders missing out on the big stars and landing a productive, specialized player in Helu is actually a blessing in disguise. As they say in the underappreciated 1997 movie "Contact," "small moves."
