The Washington Redskins have plenty of needs to address this offseason, but they might have to add 'running back' to that list if they can't reach a deal with unrestricted free agent Roy Helu.
Helu has had plenty of ups and downs as a Redskin, but he's quietly emerged as one of the best receiving RBs in the NFL despite Washington's chaos under center. Helu caught 42 passes for 477 yards and two touchdowns last season, the 6th-highest yardage for any running back in the league. If he does depart in free agency, the Redskins are reportedly consigned to replacing him through free agency.
Alfred Morris, Chris Thompson and Silas Redd are all going to return next season barring an unforeseen trade, but none can reproduce what Helu brings to the table. If the Redskins want to go after a replacement through free agency - which is the impression we're under - they have some interesting options. CJ Spiller isn't known primarily as a receiving back, but he's more than competent catching passes out of the backfield and he's the best bargain candidate in this group thanks to his spotty injury history. New England's Shane Vereen is also an option (if the team can stomach the price tag), and there's the often-rumored Frank Gore/Scot McCloughan reunion that's been discussed ever since McCloughan signed on in Washington.
No matter what happens, the Redskins are likely to find themselves looking for a Helu replacement, and it'll be one of McCloughan's first chances to put his stamp on this roster. It'll be very interesting to see what he does.
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