The New Orleans Saints have added a dose of speed to their backfield, agreeing to terms with former Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler on a one-year, league-minimum deal.
The signing, first reported by Nick Underhill and confirmed by local outlets, represents a low-risk move for a team looking to create more explosiveness on offense and special teams heading into the 2026 season.
Chandler, who turns 28 in May, enters New Orleans with a reputation built largely on his speed. Clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, he possesses the kind of breakaway ability that can stretch defenses and flip field position in an instant.
lAt 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds, he also brings a solid frame that suggests he can handle physical play between the tackles, though his NFL production has yet to consistently reflect that potential.
During his time in Minnesota, Chandler struggled to carve out a significant role in a crowded backfield. Across four seasons, he averaged 3.9 yards per carry, a modest figure that underscores the gap between his athletic traits and on-field impact.
His most productive campaign came in 2023, when he rushed 102 times for 461 yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers showed flashes of capability, they lacked the explosive runs typically associated with a player of his speed profile.
In fact, one of the more telling statistics from Chandler’s career is his limited number of big plays. He recorded just 13 runs of 10 or more yards on 181 career attempts, a rate that falls short of many of his peers. For comparison, players known for their explosiveness around the league often post significantly higher rates, highlighting an area where Chandler will need to improve if he hopes to stick on the Saints’ roster.
Injuries have also played a role in slowing his momentum. Chandler missed time last season with a knee issue, further complicating his efforts to establish consistency and earn trust within the Vikings’ offensive rotation. Durability will be another key factor as he competes for a role in New Orleans.
For the Saints, the signing appears to be less about immediate impact and more about potential upside. The team’s backfield has been in flux, and adding a player with Chandler’s speed offers a different dimension. However, given the structure of his contract and his career trajectory, he is far from guaranteed a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Training camp will likely serve as a proving ground. Chandler will need to demonstrate not only his speed but also improved vision, decision-making, and reliability in pass protection—areas that often determine playing time for running backs in today’s NFL. Without clear progress, he risks being overshadowed by more established or versatile options.
One avenue where Chandler could make an immediate impression is special teams. The Saints have an opening in the return game following roster changes last season, and his straight-line speed could make him an intriguing candidate.
While his track record as a return specialist is mixed, there have been glimpses of potential. He recorded a 91-yard kick return early in his college career and has shown occasional flashes in the NFL preseason, including a 56-yard return in 2022.
Still, consistency has been elusive in that phase as well. Outside of those isolated moments, Chandler has not produced many standout returns, meaning he will need to prove he can be a dependable option rather than just a situational spark.
Ultimately, this move reflects a broader strategy by the Saints: taking calculated chances on athletic upside without significant financial commitment. If Chandler can translate his raw speed into tangible production—whether as a change-of-pace back or a special teams contributor—he could carve out a meaningful role. If not, the Saints can move on with minimal consequence.
As offseason workouts approach, all eyes will be on how Chandler adapts to his new environment. For a player with undeniable physical tools but limited NFL success, this opportunity in New Orleans may represent a pivotal moment in his career…
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