ty chandler has been signed by the New Orleans Saints, adding another name to a running back room that has already been a major offseason focus. The move surfaced Tuesday (ET) as the Saints continued to build out depth after multiple additions across the roster. The signing pulls the 27-year-old back from the Minnesota Vikings after he completed his rookie contract.
What the signing means right now for the Saints
The Saints’ decision to bring in ty chandler lands as the team keeps stacking options in the backfield. New Orleans already made a significant running back move this offseason by landing Travis Etienne, with the broader roster also seeing additions like offensive lineman David Edwards and linebacker Kaden Elliss.
Chandler enters the picture after four seasons in Minnesota, where he appeared in 40 career games with four starts. Over that span, he totaled 710 rushing yards with three touchdowns and added 30 receptions for 212 yards.
Ty Chandler: recent production, injury, and role signals
Chandler’s most recent season was heavily impacted by injury. He missed most of the 2025 season due to a knee injury and appeared in just three games, taking 17 carries for four yards and catching three passes for 11 yards.
Earlier in his time with the Vikings, Chandler’s best season came in 2023, when he produced 620 yards from scrimmage and scored four touchdowns. He has also been described as a “home-run hitter” with 4. 38 speed, a trait that could translate to special teams value and situational offensive snaps in New Orleans.
Chandler was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft and has now moved on from Minnesota as a veteran option in free agency.
Immediate reactions from a Saints reporter
Nick Underhill, Saints reporter at NewOrleans. football, posted Tuesday (ET) that the Saints are signing running back Ty Chandler.
In that same Tuesday (ET) post, Underhill highlighted Chandler’s 2023 output and described his speed profile, calling him a “home-run hitter” with 4. 38 speed.
Quick context: why New Orleans keeps working the position
The Saints entered the offseason with major roster needs and moved quickly in free agency to address multiple areas, including running back. The running back room has been a focal point, with Alvin Kamara nearing the end of his NFL career.
What’s next to watch after ty chandler arrives
With ty chandler now added behind Etienne, the next developments will center on how New Orleans sorts roles in a crowded backfield and where Chandler fits best, including special teams and depth snaps on offense. Any further roster decisions involving the running back group in the coming weeks would sharpen the picture of how the Saints plan to deploy their new additions moving forward.
