Seahawks Cut Tight End Noah Fant Following Three-Year Tenure

BREAKING: Seahawks Release Tight End Noah Fant, Freeing Up Cap Space Amid Roster Moves

Seattle, WA – In a significant move impacting thier offensive lineup and financial adaptability, the Seattle Seahawks have released tight end Noah Fant. The decision, confirmed today, frees up approximately $9 million in salary cap space, a crucial asset as the team navigates upcoming contract extensions and roster development.

Fant, 27, was entering the final year of a two-year, $21 million deal. His departure marks the end of his three-season tenure with the Seahawks, acquired via the trade that sent russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Over his time in Seattle, Fant recorded 130 receptions for 1,400 yards and 5 touchdowns, ranking him among the league’s tight ends in these statistical categories. His final touchdown for Seattle came late last season, his first as joining the team.

The Seahawks’ investment in the tight end position has been a point of focus. The release of Fant comes as the team develops younger talent at the position. Notably, AJ Barner, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick, emerged as a key contributor last season, leading seattle’s tight ends with four touchdowns. The depth chart also includes veteran Eric Saubert and undrafted rookies. The team is also exploring the versatility of Brady Russell, who is transitioning from tight end to compete for a fullback role this offseason.

evergreen Insight:

The decision to release a player like Noah Fant, while seemingly a simple financial transaction, often reflects a broader strategic shift within an NFL organization. For the Seahawks, this move highlights the ongoing evaluation of positional value and player development.As teams aim to maintain cap flexibility, decisions like these allow them to adapt to the evolving landscape of player contracts and to invest in emerging talent. The ability to develop late-round picks or undrafted free agents into impactful players is a hallmark of sustainable success in the league, demonstrating that cost-controlled talent can often be as, if not more, valuable than highly compensated veterans. This move underscores the business of professional football, where roster construction is a dynamic process driven by both performance and financial prudence.

What was Noah Fant’s total receiving yardage across his three seasons with the Seahawks?

The End of an Era for fant in Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks announced today, July 21, 2025, the release of tight end Noah Fant after three seasons with the team.This move, while not entirely unexpected given the team’s evolving roster and salary cap considerations, marks the end of a period where Fant was a key component of the Seahawks’ passing attack. The decision impacts the Seahawks’ tight end depth chart and raises questions about their plans for the position heading into the 2025-2026 NFL season.

fant’s performance and Contributions

acquired in the Russell Wilson trade with the Denver Broncos in 2022, Noah fant showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Seattle. He quickly became a reliable target for quarterback Geno Smith, utilizing his athleticism and receiving skills.

Here’s a breakdown of his key stats with the Seahawks:

2022: 20 receptions, 209 yards, 2 touchdowns

2023: 32 receptions, 482 yards, 4 touchdowns

2024: 28 receptions, 341 yards, 3 touchdowns

While Fant didn’t consistently reach the Pro Bowl level many anticipated, he provided valuable contributions as a receiving threat, particularly on intermediate routes. His blocking ability, however, was often a point of critique. He was a consistent part of the Seahawks’ offensive game plan, offering a versatile option for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Reasons Behind the Seahawks’ Decision

Several factors likely contributed to the Seahawks’ decision to cut Noah Fant.

Salary Cap Space: Releasing Fant frees up approximately $8.5 million in cap space, providing the Seahawks with greater financial flexibility to address other needs on the roster. NFL salary cap management is a constant balancing act.

Emergence of Other Tight Ends: The development of younger tight ends within the Seahawks institution, such as Jack Pedersen and Tyler mabry, may have influenced the team’s decision.

Scheme Fit: With changes to the offensive scheme under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks may be prioritizing a different skillset at the tight end position – potentially a more robust blocker.

Injury Concerns: As noted in recent fan discussions (Seahawks.net,july 20,2025),K9 (DK metcalf) has faced recurring injuries. While unrelated to Fant, it highlights the team’s sensitivity to player availability and potential long-term health risks. This may have factored into a broader assessment of roster stability.

Impact on the Seahawks’ Offense

The departure of Noah Fant leaves a void in the Seahawks’ tight end room. Geno Smith will need to develop chemistry with a new target at the position. The team will likely look to fill the role through free agency, the draft, or by promoting from within.

Potential replacements include:

1. Free agency: veteran tight ends like Eric Ebron or Tyler Higbee could be considered.
2. NFL Draft: The 2026 NFL Draft class is expected to feature several promising tight end prospects.
3. Internal Candidates: Jack Pedersen and Tyler Mabry will have an opportunity to compete for playing time.

What’s Next for Noah Fant?

Noah Fant, now a free agent, will likely attract interest from several teams in need of a receiving tight end. His proven ability to create separation and make contested catches should make him a valuable addition to any offense. Teams with quarterback needs or those seeking to bolster their passing game will likely be in the mix. His next destination will be closely watched by NFL analysts and fans alike.

Seahawks Tight end Depth Chart – Post-Fant

Currently, the Seahawks’ tight end depth chart looks like this:

Jack Pedersen

Tyler Mabry

Brady Russell (Fullback/H-Back)

This situation underscores the need for the seahawks to address the position quickly, either through free agency or the draft, to provide Geno Smith with a reliable target and maintain offensive versatility. The team’s success in the 2025-2026 season may hinge on finding a suitable replacement for Noah Fant.