Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
This offseason the Minnesota Vikings needed to revamp their roster from a salary cap perspective. That meant making some difficult moves in order to shuffle talent around.
It seemed as though Aaron Jones was set to be among the veterans sent packing. Instead, he agreed to a new deal that includes a lesser number for the bottom line. Back to be something of a one-two punch with Jordan Mason, Kevin O’Connell’s offense still needs something else.
Former fifth round pick Ty Chandler hit free agency this offseason leaving Zavier Scott as the only other option. Chandler has also now found a new home..
Ty Chandler leaves MN Vikings for New Orleans
Minnesota picked Ty Chandler back in 2022, and as a fifth round selection, they held his rights for just four years. Playing in just three games last season after suffering an injury in Week 1, he hit the open market looking to rebuild value elsewhere. New Orleans is now the determined landing spot.
The Saints are signing RB Ty Chandler, per source.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) March 17, 2026
Although Chandler played in just three games last season, he logged 17 in each of the two campaigns prior. 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).
Emmett Johnson draft stock 📈
32 touches
232 total yards
3 touchdowns
Leads the Big Ten in all-purpose yards pic.twitter.com/q3swcp9NkJ
— Underdog (@Underdog) November 9, 2025
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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