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The Seattle Seahawks are clearly moving in a new direction under head coach Mike Macdonald, and that shift now includes the surprising release of Noah Fant. During a media session this week, the head coach swiftly shut down questions about Fant’s exit, giving little insight into a move that saved the Seahawks cap space and hinted at a larger change in roster philosophy.
The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar spoke directly with Macdonald and later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the full exchange about the release of the former-Broncos tight end—a move that surprised the fan base. Macdonald’s response was blunt and unapologetically vague.
“I’m not going to tell you exactly why. There’s multiple reasons.”
When pressed further, he added only that the release had occurred “a few days ago,” declining to elaborate. The lack of detail has fueled speculation but reflects the tight-lipped approach of Seattle’s new leadership.
Fant’s departure follows three solid but unspectacular seasons in Seattle. In 2024, he recorded 48 receptions for 500 yards and just one touchdown. With minimal scoring production and a cap hit nearing $9 million, the cap space relief was significant. His release creates flexibility for contract extensions or potential midseason acquisitions.
Additionally, the Seahawks tight end depth chart appears to be trending younger. Rookie Elijah Arroyo has impressed during minicamp, while second-year TE AJ Barner is competing for a larger role. With the team shifting toward a faster, more dynamic offensive identity under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the tight end room is part of that rebuild.
This roster evolution reflects the broader vision of the second-year head coach. His tenure has been marked by strategic cap decisions, a revamped offense, and a defense-first identity. Fant simply no longer fit the mold. Despite a respectable 291 career receptions and over 3,300 yards, his reduced impact in last season likely sealed his fate.
The release of the sixth-year tight end wasn’t sudden—It was strategic. And while no specifics have been offered, the Seahawks’ recent moves paint a clear picture that the team is embracing a youth-driven, cap-conscious approach heading into the upcoming NFL season.
As for Fant, he’s already visited the Cincinnati Bengals and may land on a contender in need of veteran depth. But in Seattle, the future is clearly about development and long-term fit—and the Seahawks tight end depth chart now reflects that.
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