Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Like most teams around the league, the New Orleans Saints aren’t done on the open market. The club is signing another running back option to continue creating competition in the room. This year, it appears speed is an emphasis for the group.
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints are adding former Minnesota Vikings back Ty Chandler.
Chandler, known for his speed, was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings during the 2022 NFL Draft. During his pre-draft process he made waves by running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.
That speed was on full display during his breakout 2023 season in which he notched 102 carries for 461 rushing yards and a trio of touchdowns rushes and added 21 receptions for 159 receiving yards.
Since then, the North Carolina alum has only received 82 total touches on offense in 20 games played. He appeared in just three games last year. After suffering a knee injury in the season opener, he was placed on Injured Reserve until Week 17, when he made his return.
The back has modest kick return experience in his background as well. He now joins a heavily populated room that includes splash free agent addition Travis Etienne, Jr., incumbent star back Alvin Kamara, fourth-year rusher Kendre Miller, a pair of third-year backs in Audric Estime and Evan Hull–each of whom were added late last year–and second-year back Devin Neal who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The running back position will be an intriguing one to watch throughout the offseason as the NFL Draft and training camp competitions draw nearer.
