The Seattle Seahawks released TE Noah Fant on July 21, 2025, freeing up $13M in cap space. Learn why this signals a major offensive shift for the 2024 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just one day before veterans were set to report, the Seattle Seahawks made a stunning roster move, releasing tight end Noah Fant. The move, which frees up over $13 million in salary cap space, is the clearest signal yet that the team is embracing a dramatic philosophical shift on offense heading into its 50th anniversary season.
The move increases Seattle's cap space to over $35 million, leaving many to wonder if General Manager John Schneider has another move up his sleeve.
Noah Fant's three-season tenure in Seattle, which saw him haul in 130 catches for 1,400 yards and five touchdowns, came to an abrupt end Monday. While a productive player, his $13.41 million cap hit was deemed too steep for a team pivoting to a run-heavy offensive scheme under new coordinator Klint Kubiak. The move leaves a young and unproven tight end room featuring AJ Barner and Eric Saubert, but gives the Seahawks immense financial flexibility. It's a bold statement that production must align with the new coaching staff's vision.
The Fant release is just the latest in a series of aggressive offseason moves that have reshaped the roster. After trading away Geno Smith, the Seahawks invested heavily in quarterback Sam Darnold (3 years, $100.5 million) and veteran receiver Cooper Kupp (3 years, $45 million). However, not everyone is sold. One national analyst recently labeled the Kupp signing one of the worst moves of the offseason, pointing to the 32-year-old's recent injury history after missing 18 games in three seasons. With big money committed to Darnold, Kupp, and new defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, the pressure is on for these high-risk acquisitions to deliver.
The debates over roster construction will soon be replaced by on-field action. Rookies are already in the building, and veterans are scheduled to arrive Tuesday for the official start of 2025 training camp. All eyes will be on Darnold and Kupp as they look to build chemistry and justify their hefty contracts. For second-year head coach Mike Macdonald, this is the first real chance to see his vision come together as the team aims to snap a two-year playoff drought and win the NFC West for the first time since 2020.
The front office has made its bets. With Noah Fant gone and over $35 million in the bank, the roster is set for now. The questions that have dominated the offseason will begin to find answers on Wednesday when the first full-squad practice kicks off. A new era of Seahawks football is officially underway, and the journey back to the playoffs starts now.
