Former Vikings RB Lands Job w/Saints

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Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

This offseason, it seemed as though Aaron Jones was set to be released by the Minnesota Vikings, leaving a major hole to be filled in the backfield next to Jordan Mason. Instead, the 31-year-old surprisingly took a paycut to stay.

Meanwhile, former fifth round draft pick Ty Chandler hit free agency, leaving Zavier Scott as the lone viable option for the Vikings, outside of their veteran top pairing.

Ty Chandler leaves MN Vikings for New Orleans

The past few years, Chandler has helped provide depth in the Vikings’ backfield. As a fifth round selection, they held his rights for four years. Unfortunately for the Tennessee and North Carolina alum, he played in just three games during his pre-free agency season, after suffering a Week 1 injury.

Thus, he hit the open market this spring without much hype, and in need of a spot he can build up his resume as a viable depth backfield and special teams option for a league thirsty for those guys on a yearly basis. And on Tuesday, the 27-year-old Chandler hopes he found that team in the New Orleans Saints.

While he wasn’t on the active roster very often last season, Chandler played all 17 games for Minnesota in both 2023 and 2024, though he was primarily used as a rotational depth back, he has 710 yards on 181 career carries. He scored three touchdowns in 2023 while earning four starts as well.

Chandler has always been a smaller speed back. At 5’11” and 205 pounds, he’s not a between the tackles runner. Chandler can operate as a receiver though, and hauled in 21 passes for 159 yards in 2023.

Never consistently able to break through as a running back, the MN Vikings began to use Chandler more significantly on special teams in 2024. He had eight kick returns and opened 2025 as the main kick returner. It was on the final attempt against Chicago in which he was injured and wound up missing multiple weeks.

In New Orleans, Chandler joins a running back room that includes Trevor Etienne. That is notable as he’ll be the starter, and was someone the Minnesota Vikings had targeted. With Chandler gone, all ten Vikings draft picks from 2022 are no longer with the franchise.

Minnesota Vikings need RB help

It’s all fine and well that Chandler wasn’t coming back to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s also beyond straightforward that Kevin O’Connell has to draft a running back. This organization hasn’t put real draft capital into the position since Dalvin Cook, and Aaron Jones is at the end of his rope.

Short of a miracle trade, the Vikings aren’t getting high enough in April’s draft to grab Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love. However, there is plenty of mid-round depth, including Nebraska product (and Minnesota native) Emmett Johnson).

Chandler was a developmental prospect taken in the fifth round. Using a third round pick to grab someone that has a quicker chance to start, is where Minnesota should be operating.

O’Connell has never truly leaned into the run during his time as head coach with the Vikings. That’s unlikely to change, but having a more well-rounded and competent room should be the focus.

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