The New Orleans Saints have signed former Minnesota Vikings fifth-round pick Ty Chandler to a one-year deal on the veteran minimum, adding a seventh running back to a unit that already includes Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne Jr., Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, Audric Estime and Evan Hull.
The move could also cast further uncertainty over Kamara’s future, as retirement speculation continues to surround the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
In 2025, Chandler suffered a significant injury in the Vikings’
season opener, landing on injured reserve before being activated for the final two games of the season. He finished with 47 yards on 17 carries across three games. The former North Carolina Tar Heel’s best season came in 2023, when he rushed for 461 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries, while adding 21 receptions on 25 targets for 159 yards.
Chandler will have his work cut out for him in a crowded backfield, but he brings juice and big-play ability that the New Orleans rushing attack has been missing in recent seasons. It will be interesting to see how he performs in training camp and whether he can carve out a meaningful depth role ahead of roster cutdowns, or potentially contribute on special teams with his 4.38 speed.
