THE Cincinnati Bengals have signed Noah Fant.
Former first round pick Fant has signed a one-year contract with the AFC North squad.
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Noah Fant was released by the Seattle Seahawks last monthCredit: AP
Fant, 27, provides the Bengals with depth at the tight end position.
Mike Gesicki will remain Cincinnati’s starting tight end.
While Zac Taylor’s team still has Drew Sample as an option.
Fant will hope for an opportunity to link up with star quarterback Joe Burrow.
The tight end starred for Iowa between 2016 and 2018.
His stellar college career saw him selected at No20 by the Denver Broncos in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Fant went on to play 47 times across three seasons with the Broncos.
In March 2022 he was sent to the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster trade that saw Denver acquire star quarterback Russell Wilson.
Fant made himself a key player in Seattle, and in the 2023 campaign started all 17 regular season games – the first time in his career that he achieved such a feat.
His growing importance saw the Seahawks hand him a two-year, $21 million contract in March 2024.
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Last season, Fant made 48 catches for 500 yards and one touchdown.
The tight end was released by the Seahawks last month, sparking plenty of interest.
Fant was waived just days before Mike Macdonald’s team returned for training camp.
The move was made to clear up cap space for the Seahawks.
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While it was also designed to give younger players on their roster an opportunity to shine.
Fant wasn’t short of interest after becoming a free agent.
The New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins were both said to have held workouts and meetings with the experienced former first rounder.
But after also meeting with Fant, it was the Bengals who won the race for his signature.
After signing, Fant said, “It’s a great offense to be in. Great coaches. When I took my visit (last week), I really liked the conversations I had. It will be a good fit.”
While coach Taylor added, “He gives you even more flexibility. You’ve got a player that’s really a plus player in both the run and the pass. At the point of attack, blocking out of the backfield for protection he can help you, but also really explosive as a receiver.”