Don't forget weapon 1 Speedy Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings made a lot of changes this offseason. The departure of Kirk Cousins ​​is probably the most significant difference from last year. Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy will try to take his place at center. Other changes on offense include the absence of KJ Osborn; his replacements from last season, Jalen Nailor or Brandon Powell, are expected to be the new WR3s.

Don't forget weapon 1 Speedy Vikings

Another big deal for the Vikings was the rushing attack. Alexander Mattison was let go after one year as the team's top running back due to his underwhelming performance. A few days later, longtime Packers running back Aaron Jones signed with the purple team. The franchise is hoping he can be a much-needed upgrade.

His arrival was a major reason for optimism for Vikings fans, and for good reason. Jones was a vital part of Green Bay's offense. His injuries are a liability, and at 29, he's unlikely to be a long-term solution. Still, he produced 889 scrimmage yards in 11 games after four straight seasons of 1,100 yards. Jones rushed for more than 100 yards in the final five games of the season, showing he still has potential.

While the addition is overall positive, a guy named Ty Chandler was left out because of Jones.

After Mattison's release, the 2022 fifth-round pick was a candidate to be the new top rusher on the depth chart, but he reverted to his backup spot once Jones was signed.

Chandler is coming off a late-season breakout. Oddly enough, the coaching staff seems to have underestimated him, playing Cam Akers and Mattison instead. The running game has been a disaster, so why not give the more explosive second-year player a chance?

It didn't happen until Mattison missed Week 15 with a minor injury. Chandler started and rushed for over 100 yards as Minnesota's first running back all season. Mattison returned after the game, but the roles were reversed and he became Chandler's RB2.

Chandler finished the 2023 season with 102 carries for 481 yards and three touchdowns. He is also a capable receiver, as evidenced by his 21 receptions for 159 yards.

The good news for Chandler is that he will at least be the unquestioned RB2. There are a few players available and the Vikings are reportedly interested in re-signing Akers, but none of those players, including Akers, pose a real threat to him.

Chandler has shown enough promise to have a role to play in the upcoming season. While Jones has the skills to be a three-down running back, the Vikings should manage his touches to keep him fresh and off the injured list.

There's a chance Chandler will be more than just a rotational runner, and head coach Kevin O'Connell wants to put together a true committee. Additionally, the running game will be a bigger part of the offense than in years past because the team can't expect Darnold or McCarthy to throw the ball as much as Cousins ​​did.

Regardless, Chandler should be on fans' radar as a key contributor for the upcoming season. He's shown too much energy to disappear from the lineup.

Editor's Note: Information from Pro Football Reference assisted in the writing of this article.

Janik Eckardt is a football fan who loves numbers and statistics. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking football encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers classic rock to other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt