Having also visited New Orleans and Miami, he joined Cincinnati on Thursday.
After Fant was released by the Seattle Seahawks, the Bengals pounced to land the 2019 first-round draft pick.
More nice-to-have than necessity
With right guard arguably a more pressing need, the Bengals’ decision to sign another tight end may raise some eyebrows.
If the trenches are the obvious pain point, why add a pass‑catcher instead of doubling down on interior line help?
The answer lies in what Fant brings to the table. He can be an athletic mismatch weapon who can stretch the field, adding another dimension to an already explosive passing attack.
Signing a one-year deal, Fant appears to be a fill-in for Erick All Jr. The do-it-all Swiss Army knife will miss 2025 after sustaining an ACL injury in his rookie campaign.
Despite All’s long-term injury, no tight ends were added through the draft or free agency this year. But now, Fant’s unexpected availability could suit both parties.
What Noah Fant offers
Fant is fine in run blocking but nothing special. It is his consistent receiving production – over 400 yards in all six seasons in the league – that could be the key.
Fant’s presence will bring:
- Reliable receiving: Across his 95 games to date, Fant has recorded 300 receptions, 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns. Not prolific by any means, but steady.
- Explosive playmaking ability: Fant often uncorks big plays after the catch, something Bengals Twitter, local beat writers and analysts are already getting excited about. He has averaged 9.7 yards per catch across his career.
- Veteran presence: Fant’s experience and profile add depth and flexibility to the TE room.
Fant’s skillset aligns with the team’s pass‑first mentality – one that values coverage mismatches. With the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins attracting all the attention, maybe Fant could exceed his season high of 673 yards and four receiving touchdowns?
That said, Head Coach Zac Taylor thinks he offers more. At a press conference on Thursday, he said: “You have got … a plus player in both the run and the pass. At the point of attack, blocking and protection, he can help you, but he’s also really explosive as a receiver.”
How he fits with the team
The 27-year-old joins a tight end group now without undrafted college free agent Kole Taylor, who was released to make room for the new arrival.
Alongside Fant, there are two other obvious starters in the pack. Mike Gesicki, a versatile 6’6” pass‑catcher, arguably belongs in the receiver room, while Drew Sample is a proficient blocker who chips in with the odd rumble downfield.
That leaves three guys – Tanner McLachlan, Tanner Hudson and Cam Grandy – battling for one more spot. Or maybe two, given the team’s increased use of 12 personnel last season. I am not sure who makes the cut out of that trio as all three have their limitations.
As of now, the interior O-line in particular remains a concern. However, it is hard to criticise this move, which could set the stage for more creative offensive play-calling in 2025.
