New York Giants 10 Potential Running Back Options
Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Helu is a player the Giants are familiar with because they have been playing against him for the past four seasons as a member of the Washington Redskins. The former Penn State product has spent his entire four year career with the Redskins, and could be looking to move on.
Helu shouldn’t cost the Giants much in terms of money and years, and would fill a huge need. The Giants haven’t had a true receiving threat out of their backfield in quite some time. Jennings fills that role admirably, but he is counted on for so much it would be smart for the Giants to dial back some of his third down work to try and keep him healthy; in steps Helu.
Helu is one of the better receiving backs in the NFL, finishing 12th among running backs in receptions with 42 of his 47 targets. That kind of ratio is outstanding regardless of position, and shows that Helu has great hands out of the backfield. The Giants have seen first hand what Helu can do as a receiver, as he caught five passes for 78 yards against Big Blue in his lone appearance against them in 2014.
Could the Giants convince Helu to leave the Redskins? If Helu is a player the Giants want, they may have to overpay a little to get him. He would more than likely be looking for an expanded role if the leaves Washington, and that is something the Giants may not be able to guarantee with Jennings and Williams already in the fold and locked in for early down work.
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