Oakland Raiders tried shopping Roy Helu Jr. before deadline

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie tried shopping struggling running back Roy Helu Jr. before the trade deadline.

Former Washington running back Roy Helu Jr. came to the Oakland Raiders in free agency as the potential replacement to Darren McFadden in the backfield as a versatile third-down back. Helu bringing experience as a dual-threat running back who can run routes and pass block as well as get the job done when given touches in the running game.

Helu hasn’t found even close to the same level of success and playing time as he had in Washington however as the veteran back has been a constant healthy scratch with the Raiders. Taiwan Jones taking Helu’s job as the speed back, Jones explosiveness winning out as the Raiders coaching staff has opted to go with the longtime Raider over their free agent signing.

In fact, Helu’s play has been so disappointing for the Raiders that general manager Reggie McKenzie reportedly considered trading Helu despite signing him just months previous. ESPN’s Adam Caplan reporting on Sunday morning that Helu, who will be playing today for the first time in weeks, was nearly traded prior to the trade deadline.

Helu hasn’t made close to the impact that the Raiders had expected when he came to Oakland, so with this report it shouldn’t be expected to see Helu back with the team in 2016. Playing today, there is a chance Helu can change the minds of the coaching staff and front office with increased production, but for now it is looking like Helu is on the way out in Oakland.