Noah Fant, released by the Seattle Seahawks on July 20 in a cost-cutting move that saved the team $8.91 million in salary cap space, is now set to sign a free-agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
On Thursday, ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the tight end, originally acquired by the Seahawks from the Denver Broncos in the 2022 trade involving quarterback Russell Wilson, will sign a one-year deal with the Bengals.
Fant signed a two-year, $21 million contract extension with the Seahawks in March 2024 but struggled to justify his salary amid Seattle's shift toward younger, more cost-effective players at the tight end position.
Following the Seahawks' selection of tight end Elijah Arroyo in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, his role on the team remained uncertain.
During his three seasons with the Seahawks, Fant recorded 130 receptions for 1,400 yards and five touchdowns. The team had high hopes for him as a first-round pick, but he fell short of those projections.
Fant's signing with the Bengals was widely anticipated by fans and analysts. He met with the Bengals a week ago, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz described the meeting as "positive."
Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase also had positive remarks when asked about Fant's visit last week.
"I can only say so much to him to make him come here," Chase said. "He knows what we have here. I know he sees the schemes, I know he might like the schemes. That's why you come take the visit."
Fant joins a Bengals tight end group that includes veterans Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.