Roy Helu Jr. to Raiders: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Free-agent running back Roy Helu Jr. has agreed to a contract with the Oakland Raiders, the team announced.

ESPN's Adam Caplan initially had the news on Tuesday, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added the contract details:

Helu spent his first four NFL seasons in Washington, serving mostly as a third-down specialist and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. It stands to reason his role will be similar in Oakland.

Latavius Murray has elite athleticism and the tools to be a No. 1 NFL back, so Helu will likely be deployed as a pass protector and occasional ball-carrier to give Murray a rest.

Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans seemed to lament the fantasy implications of Helu's impending arrival:

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle believes the Raiders got great value in their Helu acquisition:

This has to be good news for Oakland quarterback Derek Carr as he gears up for his second season under center. Carr didn't have a good offensive line at his disposal, and two veteran backs in Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden couldn't be counted on to provide a balanced attack.

The Raiders ranked dead last in rushing offense last year. The 26-year-old Helu had 42 receptions for 477 yards and two scores on 47 targets in 2014 but has also averaged 4.4 yards per carry and doesn't have as much wear and tear as others at his position.

Although this may not be viewed by Oakland fans as the biggest free-agent splash, the running back position is all about bargain transactions. This is what the Raiders appear to have gotten in Helu.