The Seattle Seahawks are shifting toward a younger approach at tight end as they reshape their offensive identity.
Second-year player AJ Barner appears ready for expanded responsibilities while rookie Elijah Arroyo, selected in the second round from Miami, has generated early attention after an impressive college career.
The group also includes veteran Eric Saubert alongside undrafted rookies Marshall Lang and Nick Kallerup.
This youth movement became clearer with a significant roster decision that freed up considerable salary cap space.
The Seattle Seahawks made the move official on Sunday, parting ways with tight end Noah Fant after three seasons.
“Seahawks release TE Noah Fant,” the NFL announced.
Seahawks release TE Noah Fant. pic.twitter.com/WvtTrwgqTt
— NFL (@NFL) July 20, 2025
Fant was set to enter the final year of a two-year, $21 million extension he signed in March 2024, carrying an $8.49 million salary for 2025 that was non-guaranteed.
The release creates $8.91 million in available cap space for the organization.
Originally acquired as a central piece in the 2022 blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, Fant struggled to match the early production from his Broncos tenure.
During his time in Seattle, he recorded 130 receptions for 1,400 yards and five touchdowns across 48 games.
His 2024 campaign featured 48 catches for 500 yards and one touchdown.
The departure opens opportunities for Seattle’s younger tight ends to step up as new quarterback Sam Darnold adapts to the system.
While Fant provided reliable hands and solid blocking, the Seahawks appear committed to offensive evolution.
Fant enters free agency as an experienced option for teams seeking tight end depth and production.
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