**The Seattle Seahawks Have Released Veteran Tight End Noah Fant, Saving $8.91 Million in Cap Space**
The Seattle Seahawks made a significant roster move on Monday, releasing veteran tight end Noah Fant in a cost-cutting decision that will save the team $8.91 million in salary cap space. Fant, who was entering the final year of his contract, was set to earn a non-guaranteed salary of $8.49 million for the 2024 season. The move signals the Seahawks’ intention to reshape their roster under new head coach Mike Macdonald while maintaining financial flexibility ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft.
Fant, a first-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019, arrived in Seattle as part of the blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver in 2022. During his two seasons with the Seahawks, Fant was a reliable contributor, appearing in 33 games and starting 25. His best season in Seattle came in 2022 when he recorded 50 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns. While he wasn’t a dominant force in the passing game, Fant provided steady production as both a receiver and a blocker, offering versatility in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system.
However, with Waldron departing for the Chicago Bears and Macdonald taking over as head coach, the Seahawks appear to be shifting their offensive philosophy. The decision to release Fant suggests that the team may be looking for a different skill set at tight end or prioritizing younger, more cost-effective options. Seattle still has Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson on the roster, though both are also free agents, meaning the tight end position could see a complete overhaul this offseason.
From a financial standpoint, the move makes sense for the Seahawks. With Fant’s $8.49 million salary now off the books, the team gains valuable cap space to address other needs, including offensive line improvements, defensive reinforcements, or even re-signing key free agents. Seattle has several young players who could step into larger roles, and the front office may view Fant’s production as replaceable at a lower cost.
For Fant, the release opens the door for a fresh start with a new team. At just 26 years old, he remains one of the more athletic tight ends in the league, boasting strong route-running ability and reliable hands. While he hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round pedigree, Fant has been a consistent mid-tier starter, and teams in need of a pass-catching tight end could see him as an immediate upgrade. Potential suitors may include the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, or New England Patriots—all teams that could use additional weapons in the passing game.
The Seahawks’ decision to part ways with Fant also reflects the broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly willing to move on from mid-level veterans in favor of cheaper, younger alternatives. With the salary cap rising but teams still needing to manage their budgets carefully, players like Fant—who are solid but not elite—often find themselves as cap casualties. Seattle’s front office, led by general manager John Schneider, has a history of making bold roster moves, and this one aligns with their strategy of maintaining financial flexibility while remaining competitive.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks will likely explore multiple avenues to fill the void left by Fant’s departure. The 2024 NFL Draft features a deep tight end class, with prospects like Brock Bowers (Georgia), Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas), and Cade Stover (Ohio State) potentially on Seattle’s radar. Free agency also offers several intriguing options, including Dalton Schultz, Gerald Everett, and Hunter Henry, should the team choose to pursue an established veteran.
Ultimately, the release of Noah Fant marks the end of an era in Seattle, closing the chapter on one of the last remaining pieces from the Russell Wilson trade. While Fant was a serviceable player during his time with the Seahawks, the NFL is a business, and his salary no longer aligned with the team’s vision. For Seattle, the $8.91 million in savings provides crucial flexibility as they navigate the offseason. For Fant, it’s an opportunity to prove he can be a difference-maker elsewhere.
As the Seahawks continue their transition under Mike Macdonald, this move could be the first of several as they reshape the roster for the future. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team addresses the tight end position and whether Fant’s release leads to a bigger splash in free agency or the draft. One thing is certain: in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, change is inevitable, and the Seahawks are making sure they stay ahead of the curve.
