The NFL has a tried and true draft formula: take the best players at the most important positions first. But with a youth movement, could New Orleans stray from convention and truly take the best player on the board, regardless of position. History says it's a risk, but the reward could be worth it.Read More
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Saints sign RB Ty Chandler
The Saints added depth at running back and might have improved their return game by signing Ty Chandler away from the Minnesota Vikings.
Chandler, 27, has spent his entire career in Minnesota after being drafted in the fifth round in 2022. He's never been a featured back — the Vikings had Aaron Jones and Cam Akers ahead of him on the depth chart most of his tenure — but he's a legitimate speed threat with 4.38 speed who can contribute as a returner and change-of-pace option.
This is a complementary move. The Saints already made their big running back swing by signing Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million deal. Chandler slots in behind him as an affordable piece with upside.
The bigger picture here is Alvin Kamara. He turns 31 this summer and has finished each of the last two seasons on the injury report. The Saints aren't cutting him loose, yet, but they're clearly building a room that doesn't depend on him staying healthy. Etienne is the new featured back. Chandler gives them a third option who can run, catch, and handle kicks.
Low-cost, low-risk. For a team trying to build around Tyler Shough, adding juice to the backfield where you can find it makes sense.
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