Roy Helu signs deal with Oakland Raiders

ByErnie Padaon|

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) carries the ball as Dallas Cowboys free safety J.J. Wilcox (27) tackles in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have signed former Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu

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The Oakland Raiders were believed to be strong contenders to add former Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray onto their roster. He would have been an awesome addition to team up with Latavius Murray, but it looks like they have found another back to add to the team instead. The team has signed former Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu to a deal.

#Raiders agreed to a contract with Roy Helu, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 11, 2015

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Helu will be entering his 5th season in the league and will be a nice veteran to add into the backfield. He can split snaps with Latavius Murray and can also be a nice insurance policy on the roster for the team. He signed a 2-year deal for just over $4 million.

Last season, Helu ran for 216 yards in 14 games with a 5.4 yards per carry average. He is a nice threat out of the backfield catching 42 passes for 477 yards with 2 touchdowns. He averaged 11.4 yards per catch.

We still don’t know if this will affect the chances of the Raiders adding DeMarco Murray onto the roster, but Helu is a good addition to the roster. Now imagine having the three-headed monster of Murray-Murray-Helu. We know that the Raiders will be looking to run the ball often if that were the case.

The team seems to be focused on beefing up the running game with the addition of Helu and Rodney Hudson onto the roster. They have a big center and a new running back to add to the offense.

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