Noah Fant’s Seattle Exit Sparks Mile High Rumors of a Broncos Reunion and a Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

Noah Fant’s Sudden Departure from Seattle Stirs Buzz of Broncos Reunion:

The Seattle Seahawks caught many off guard this past Sunday, making a bold move just days before the start of training camp. The team announced the release of tight end Noah Fant, a decision that felt abrupt and unceremonious. General Manager John Schneider’s choice to cut the former first-round pick came without any prior warning, leaving fans and analysts alike taken aback.

While the decision to part ways with Fant seemed sudden, speculation had been brewing since the spring about potential cap casualties. The 26-year-old tight end had a lackluster performance last season, recording just 48 receptions for 500 yards and a solitary touchdown, alongside missing three games due to injury. This underwhelming production, combined with a hefty contract that would have cost the Seahawks nearly $9 million, created an opportunity for Schneider to make a financial decision just as the team is navigating its transition post-Pete Carroll.

Despite previous cuts earlier in the offseason that gave veterans a chance to find new homes, Fant’s release came at a time when most rosters are nearly finalized. This timing leaves him scrambling to find a new team with little preparation.

The chatter around a potential reunion with the Denver Broncos has intensified following Fant’s release. On the Locked On Broncos podcast, beat reporter Cody Roark suggested that the Broncos could benefit from bolstering their tight end position, especially with Fant now available.

Roark noted the surprising nature of Seattle’s decision not to trade Fant, particularly given the tight end market’s current lack of talent. “The Seahawks didn’t want to pay him his $8.5 million this year. So they just cut him and couldn’t trade him,” he remarked.

Adding to the intrigue, the Seahawks wasted no time reshuffling their roster after Fant’s exit, waiving cornerback Zy Alexander and signing new players. This quick turnover hints at Seattle’s desire to move forward and address immediate needs, potentially leaving Fant free to pursue other opportunities.

The idea of Fant returning to Denver is gaining traction among local commentators. Ryan Edwards from KOA expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, “I’d bring him home…” following the news of Fant’s release. His sentiment was shared by many fans who see the potential benefits of reacquiring a player who once thrived in the Mile High atmosphere.

With Seattle having recently drafted tight end Elijah Arroyo, Fant found himself surplus to requirements. This situation allows any interested team, including the Broncos, to acquire him without sacrificing draft capital—a low-risk, high-reward scenario.

Comparative Performance and Fit

Despite a drop in production from his peak in Denver, where he recorded 68 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns in 2021, Fant’s 2023 numbers still reflect a player capable of contributing significantly. His performance last season surpasses that of the entire Broncos tight end unit, which collectively managed only 51 catches for 483 yards and five touchdowns.

Even with the addition of Evan Engram, who signed a two-year, $23 million deal and is expected to play a versatile role, Fant’s reliability stands out. He has consistently been available, averaging nearly 16 games and 14 starts per season, while Engram’s injury history raises concerns.

With Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins handling blocking responsibilities and rookie Caleb Lohner still developing, Fant could provide the receiving prowess that the Broncos’ tight end group desperately needs.

In a tight race for offensive effectiveness, Fant’s potential return to Denver could be the spark that ignites the Broncos’ offense, especially as they look to enhance their capabilities heading into the new season.