The Cincinnati Bengals are wasting no time shaking up the roster. With training camp just getting off the ground, the team has already landed four new players this week. But they are also intrigued by six-year veteran tight end Noah Fant.
Jordan Schultz reported the Bengals are hosting Fant for a visit on Thursday. Fant could land in one of the NFL’s top offenses with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This will be his first appearance at another team’s facility since being released by the Seattle Seahawks on July 20.
Fant, 27, had a year remaining on his contract with the Seahawks, but they ultimately decided to go in a new direction with rookie second-round pick Elijah Arroyo leading the tight end rotation. Per Schultz, Fant has already “drawn interest” from other teams, but the Bengals will have first dibs to sign him.
A former first-round pick 2019, Fant was drafted 20th overall by the Denver Broncos and quickly emerged as a pass-catching threat. He spent three years in Denver before being traded to the Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson blockbuster.
Fant has hauled in 300 receptions for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns in 95 appearances for his career. Seattle valued him last year, but cap space and depth at the position made him expendable this offseason.
Why It Makes Sense For Bengals
The Bengals’ current tight end room is build more on complementary pieces rather than a true do-it-all starter. Mike Gesicki is more of a slot wideout than a traditional tight end. He rarely lines up with his hand in the dirt and doesn’t help much in the run game — something the Bengals are really trying to ramp up in 2025.
Drew Sample is a reliable run-blocker but offers little as a receiver. Beyond those two, Tanner Hudson is essentially a modest combination. And Erick All Jr. is currently dealing with an injury.
Fant could immediately step in as the most complete tight end on the roster. He may not be an elite blocker, and has a lengthy injury history, but he’s athletic enough to threaten the seam and big enough to hold up in certain formations. His experience and versatility would open up more options for the Bengals, and go with the unpredictability theme that OC Dan Pitcher has created.
What’s Next?
If Fant leaves Cincinnati with a contract, or at least an agreement, it likely means the front office sees a real opportunity to upgrade the offense before Week 1. At this late stage of the offseason, it’s rare to find a starting-caliber tight end still available. Fant could potentially earn a starter’s workload from day one.
There also remains a chance that he doesn’t sign, explores the other teams interested and sees a fit elsewhere. The Bengals still have a very strong passing attack ready to roll. Chase, Higgins, Iosivas and the current tight end room can embrace the extra opportunity.
Either way, the Bengals are keeping their eyes wide open at what’s available in free agency. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them bring in more reinforcements to accommodate Burrow.
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