2015 NFL free agency: RB Roy Helu makes sense for the Steelers
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Helu would have an opportunity to show his ability as a featured running back during the impending suspension of Le'Veon Bell, and he would still serve as a solid receiving option after that.
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The Le'Veon Bell.
That doesn't mean their options are limited solely to guys weighing 230 pounds or more.
Washington's Roy Helu looks to be the odd-man out in the Redskins' backfield, and even though he plays around 215 pounds, he's a good zone runner, and with Bell facing what looks like anywhere from a two-game to a four-game suspension, they will need a runner who can make an impact on 20-25 touches in those games.
Helu seems like a good combination of youth (he's 26 years old with an average of eight touches a game in four seasons) and ability (averaged 5.4 yards a carry for the Redskins last year).
With so many other veteran options available, including the league's leading rusher and Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray, as well as the likelihood of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson, Helu's asking price may end up falling into a range the Steelers could be comfortable with.
While Helu would likely want to go somewhere he'd see more action, if he's unable to find a long-term deal, the Steelers would be a great option for him. He'd get the duration of Bell's suspension to show his ability as a featured runner, and perhaps hit the market next year with that film in place.
The Steelers seem poised to look at the draft for a long-term back-up, such as David Cobb of Minnesota - a good combination of power and agility that would compliment Bell's open-field style. The Steelers could address the position both in the draft and free agency, and Helu would be a name to remember.
Steelers SB Nation
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Helu would have an opportunity to show his ability as a featured running back during the impending suspension of Le'Veon Bell, and he would still serve as a solid receiving option after that.
Ο
The Le'Veon Bell.
That doesn't mean their options are limited solely to guys weighing 230 pounds or more.
Washington's Roy Helu looks to be the odd-man out in the Redskins' backfield, and even though he plays around 215 pounds, he's a good zone runner, and with Bell facing what looks like anywhere from a two-game to a four-game suspension, they will need a runner who can make an impact on 20-25 touches in those games.
Helu seems like a good combination of youth (he's 26 years old with an average of eight touches a game in four seasons) and ability (averaged 5.4 yards a carry for the Redskins last year).
With so many other veteran options available, including the league's leading rusher and Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray, as well as the likelihood of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson, Helu's asking price may end up falling into a range the Steelers could be comfortable with.
While Helu would likely want to go somewhere he'd see more action, if he's unable to find a long-term deal, the Steelers would be a great option for him. He'd get the duration of Bell's suspension to show his ability as a featured runner, and perhaps hit the market next year with that film in place.
The Steelers seem poised to look at the draft for a long-term back-up, such as David Cobb of Minnesota - a good combination of power and agility that would compliment Bell's open-field style. The Steelers could address the position both in the draft and free agency, and Helu would be a name to remember.
Steelers SB Nation
