Vikings RB Predicted to Be Traded to Texans
Among several roster bubble players, Minnesota Vikings fans are keeping a close eye on running back Ty Chandler.
A new prediction has Vikings running back Ty Chandler on the move via trade, with the Houston Texans identified as his potential trade destination.
The club drafted Chandler in 2022, and he’s filled an RB3 role since. Many believe he could be waived amid roster cuts next week, but CBS Sports has a different spin.
That outlet believes Chandler will be dealt to the Houston Texans.
Prediction Sends Vikings RB Packing to Texans
Never mind a roster cut. Minnesota could apparently get something via trade for Chandler.
CBS Sports Predicts a Ty Chandler Trade to Houston
Chandler may or may not have a trade market, but according to Cody Benjamin at CBS Sports, his time in Minnesota will end in a swap with Houston.
Benjamin wrote, “There was a time, not long ago, when Chandler was considered the electric change-of-pace man in Minnesota’s backfield, scampering for more than 450 yards as a second-year reserve while helping succeed Dalvin Cook.”
“He saw a big dip in playing time after Aaron Jones‘ arrival in 2024, however, and now he’s on the roster bubble thanks to Jordan Mason’s entry and Zavier Scott’s strong summer. His breakaway upside could have value elsewhere. Prediction: Traded to Houston Texans.”
If Minnesota plans to drop Chandler on Tuesday, squeezing a draft pick from Houston would be the preferred outcome.
Chandler Locked in RB3 Summer Battle
At the moment, Chandler does not have a roster spot on lock. He’s dueling for his RB3 fate with little-known halfback Zavier Scott, who has impressed through two preseason games.
Chandler looked great in a couple of games during the 2023 season, but Minnesota has opted not to showcase him in the offense much since. In fact, when Chandler began to creep up the depth chart in 2023 and 2024, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah turned around and traded for Cam Akers. It’s sort of a tradition.
Thankfully, Chandler will learn his 2025 roster fate in five days.
What Would a Trade Fetch?
Regarding compensation, Minnesota would not get much for Chandler, especially if a team like Houston knows he’s on the roster bubble.
At best, Adofo-Mensah might be able to pry a 7th-Rounder from Houston or a different club — or package Chandler and a 7th-Rounder a Texans’ 6th-Rounder. Depth running backs aren’t really a hot commodity right now after 25 rookie tailbacks were drafted in April.
The Would-Be Texans RB Corps
With Chandler in the mix, Houston’s RB room would look like this until roster cuts:
- Joe Mixon (Injured)
- Nick Chubb
- Dameon Pierce
- Woody Marks
- Ty Chandler
- Dare Ogunbowale
- Jawhar Jordan
The Benjamin theory would probably entail a Pierce roster cut to make room for Chandler.
More CBS Sports Trade Theories
Benjamin also predicted Travis Etienne to end up with the Miami Dolphins.
He explained, “New coach Liam Coen might be able to jumpstart Etienne after a sluggish 2024 in which the former first-rounder lost touches to Tank Bigsby, who’s listed as a co-starter on the Jaguars’ unofficial preseason depth chart. But are we sure Jacksonville wouldn’t be willing to outright part with Etienne ahead of his contract year? New general manager James Gladstone might like to recoup a pick from his draft-day splash for Travis Hunter.”
For Brian Robinson of the Washington Commanders, the Cleveland Browns got the call: “Despite handling the bulk of Washington’s carries for the first three years of his career, Robinson is all but a lock to exit the Commanders’ suddenly crowded backfield after strong summer showings from youngsters like Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., the latter of whom started the club’s last preseason game.
“Solid if unspectacular, the Alabama product appears to be open to a fresh start thanks to his murkier role.”
Benjamin also projected Dallas Cowboys’ runner Miles Sanders to land in Kansas City.
If Chandler departs via trade or roster cut, wide receiver Jalen Nailor would be the last man standing on the purple roster from the infamous 2022 draft class.
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