The Minnesota Vikings anticipated that Ty Chandler and Aaron Jones would create a formidable backfield duo, but it became evident by midseason that Chandler had lost his standing.
The fifth-round pick from 2022 was discreetly sidelined following the Vikings’ Week 6 bye after participating in 36% of offensive plays. During the last 12 games of the regular season, he participated in only 39 total snaps, whereas Jones exceeded that number in one game on eight occasions throughout that period.
Chandler is the sole running back signed for the 2025 season; however, Minnesota might be inclined to overhaul its entire running back room because of a perceived lack of “trust” in Chandler, as reported by Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller.
Had Chandler been a key member of a duo as seemed likely prior to training camp, the Vikings might have aimed to replicate previous success with him possibly receiving a significant share of the carries,” Coller noted, mentioning that Chandler “appeared to lose O’Connell’s trust early in the season” and never reclaimed it, even after rushing for 461 yards at 4.5 yards per carry in 2023.”
Jones assumed a larger portion of the workload in the backfield, while the Vikings allocated the leftover snaps to Cam Akers. Toward the end of the season, Jones needed to have his workload monitored as the Vikings’ running game diminished.
His future is uncertain along with Chandler’s, indicating a possible overhaul of the running back position.
“Coller remarked that it’s quite possible the backfield might be entirely revamped in 2025.”
Since joining the league, Chandler has faced difficulties as a pass-blocker in an offense focused on providing the quarterback and receivers with time for more elaborate passing strategies.
Minnesota Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling stated that the Vikings are not “very pleased” with Chandler — due to both his pass protection and a deficiency in explosiveness observed when he clocked a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
“I believe they aren’t very pleased with Ty Chandler in certain aspects of the game.” I believe pass protection has been an issue for him, and he hasn’t displayed the same explosiveness we’ve noticed from him at certain moments. “Goessling mentioned on the ‘Access Vikings’ podcast, ‘That Jets game [Week 5] was truly the last time we witnessed him.'”
The Vikings swiftly acted to obtain Jones following the Green Bay Packers’ release of their veteran Pro Bowl quarterback in March 2024.
They maximized their experience with Jones, who celebrated his 30th birthday in December. He exceeded 300 touches in a single season for the first time ever and recorded a career-best 1,138 rushing yards.
Jones’ performance indicates that Minnesota ought to focus on re-signing him.
Nonetheless, only a handful of aging running backs can defy decline — it would be an even bolder wager to rely on Jones remaining physically reliable in consecutive seasons.
Jones was effective towards the end but suffered injuries and left games late in the season. The offensive line also faced difficulties towards the end of the season, causing the offense to become one-dimensional, particularly in the red zone.
The offensive line requires a complete revamp, without a doubt. Nonetheless, the likelihood of re-signing Jones as the primary back is unclear given his age and wear.
Minnesota would have to acquire or select a running back that they believe can complement Jones effectively.
