The New Orleans Saints have made a significant addition to their backfield, signing former Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler to a free agency contract, as reported on March 17, 2026. Chandler, who just wrapped up his rookie deal with the Vikings, is set to bring his experience and versatility to a Saints running back room that’s already brimming with talent and intrigue.
Chandler, now 27, was originally drafted by the Vikings in the fifth round (No. 169 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over four seasons in Minnesota, he carved out a role as a reliable depth option, though his opportunities fluctuated due to injuries and the crowded nature of the Vikings’ backfield. His best season came in 2023, when he rushed for 461 yards and scored three touchdowns, while also contributing 21 catches for 159 yards. Those numbers showcased his ability to impact the game both on the ground and through the air, giving the Saints another dynamic option as they look to bolster their offense for the upcoming campaign.
However, Chandler’s 2025 season was hampered by a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the year. He managed to appear in just three games, tallying 17 carries for only 4 yards and catching three passes for 11 yards. It was a tough break for a player who, just a couple of years earlier, seemed poised for a bigger role. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football, Chandler’s signing marks a fresh start and a chance to prove he can still contribute at a high level when healthy.
Despite the injury setbacks, Chandler’s career numbers with the Vikings remain respectable. In 40 games, including four starts, he accumulated 710 rushing yards on 3.9 yards per carry, three touchdowns, and 30 receptions for 212 yards. While these stats don’t leap off the page, they highlight Chandler’s steady presence as a rotational back and his ability to step up when called upon. His dual-threat capability could be a valuable asset in New Orleans, especially given the Saints’ penchant for creative offensive schemes.
The Saints’ running back situation is already one of the most closely watched in the NFL. With the high-profile signing of Travis Etienne earlier this offseason and the continued presence of former second-team All-Pro Alvin Kamara, competition for snaps will be fierce. Yet, Kamara’s name has swirled in trade rumors over the past week, adding an extra layer of uncertainty and opportunity for new arrivals like Chandler. If Kamara is indeed moved, Chandler could find himself thrust into a more prominent role sooner than expected.
For the Vikings, Chandler’s departure is the latest in a series of offseason changes to their offensive skill positions. Minnesota has lost three key players this spring: Chandler, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, and tight end Ben Sims. Nailor, who was third on the team in receiving yards last season with 444, signed a lucrative three-year, $35.03 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Sims, meanwhile, inked a deal with the Miami Dolphins. These losses have forced the Vikings to get creative with their roster management as they look to stay competitive in the NFC North.
To offset these departures, the Vikings made strategic moves to retain core contributors. Most notably, they restructured the contract of running back Aaron Jones, ensuring his return for the 2026 season. Jones, who battled a hamstring injury early last year, still managed to rack up 548 rushing yards. Jordan Mason led the team in rushing with 758 yards, while Zavier Scott chipped in with 114 yards on 32 carries. Chandler, by contrast, finished the 2025 campaign with fewer rushing yards than even wide receiver Jordan Addison and backup quarterback Carson Wentz, underscoring his diminished role in the offense.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Vikings also reworked tight end T.J. Hockenson’s contract, freeing up $5 million in cap space and keeping one of their top offensive weapons in Minnesota. As a result, the team’s top two running backs, top two receivers, and top tight end in terms of yardage from last season will all be back in 2026. However, with only Jones, Mason, and Scott currently listed at running back on the official roster, depth at the position is a growing concern—especially with Jones set to turn 32 in December. NFL teams typically carry five to seven running backs in the offseason, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Minnesota make further additions before training camp.
Chandler’s journey to New Orleans is both a new chapter and a reflection of the ever-changing nature of NFL rosters. Drafted as a mid-round pick, he showed flashes of promise but never quite broke through as a featured back in Minnesota. Injuries and the emergence of other backs limited his opportunities, but his professionalism and adaptability kept him in the mix. His total tenure with the Vikings ends with 710 rushing yards, 212 receiving yards, three total touchdowns, and a 3.9-yard rushing average—a solid, if unspectacular, resume for a rotational player.
Now, Chandler joins a Saints team looking to rebound after a rollercoaster 2025 season. With Etienne and Kamara (for now) leading the charge, New Orleans boasts one of the deepest backfields in the league. Chandler’s signing adds insurance and competition, and his experience could prove invaluable if injuries or trades shake up the depth chart. If Kamara is traded—a possibility that’s gained traction in league circles—Chandler’s role could expand dramatically, giving him a chance to revive his career in a new environment.
For Saints fans, the arrival of Chandler is more than just a depth move. It’s a sign that the front office is committed to building a roster capable of withstanding the rigors of a long NFL season. As the offseason unfolds and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Chandler integrates into the Saints’ offensive plans and whether he can recapture the form that made him a promising draft pick just four years ago.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will look to their remaining trio of backs—Jones, Mason, and Scott—to carry the load, while possibly scouring the free agent market or the draft for additional help. With key offensive pieces returning and strategic contract restructures in place, Minnesota remains poised to compete, but the loss of depth at running back is a storyline worth monitoring as the 2026 season draws nearer.
As of today, Ty Chandler’s move to New Orleans stands as one of the notable transactions of the 2026 NFL offseason. Whether he becomes a key contributor or serves as a valuable insurance policy, his journey continues in the Big Easy, where opportunity—and perhaps a little redemption—awaits.