Noah Fant’s tenure with the Seattle Seahawks has been a mixed bag of highs and lows, leaving some fans with doubts about his place on the team. After the Seahawks acquired the tight end as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, expectations were high. But as time went on, many fans began to express frustration with his inconsistency, with some suggesting that the team should part ways with Fant after the 2024 NFL season. However, a recent standout performance has changed the narrative, showcasing why the Seahawks’ investment in Fant might still pay off.
When the Seahawks acquired Fant in 2022, they hoped he would become a reliable target in their offense. With his speed, size, and ability to create mismatches against opposing defenses, Fant seemed like a perfect fit for Seattle’s system. But despite flashes of potential, he struggled to find consistency. Injuries and the Seahawks’ fluctuating quarterback situation contributed to his underwhelming stats, making it difficult for him to deliver the kind of impact fans expected.
By the end of the 2023 season, fans’ patience was wearing thin. Calls for the team to trade Fant or even release him became more frequent. Critics pointed out his lack of production in critical games and felt that Seattle could find better value in the draft or through free agency. Many believed that moving on from Fant could free up cap space and give the Seahawks a chance to rebuild with younger, more promising talent.
However, in a pivotal moment for both Fant and the Seahawks, the tight end delivered his best performance in a game that left fans reconsidering their stance. Whether it was the pressure of trade talks or simply the right game plan, Fant showed up in a big way, reminding everyone of the player Seattle believed they were getting.
In the Seahawks’ recent victory, Fant was nothing short of a game-changer. He recorded multiple receptions, racking up significant yardage and even finding the end zone at a crucial moment. His ability to stretch the field and serve as a reliable target for quarterback Geno Smith made a noticeable difference, helping the offense sustain drives and keep the pressure on the opposing defense. It was the kind of performance that showcased the potential many had seen in him during his time at Iowa and in his early days with Denver
Several elements contributed to Fant’s standout performance. First and foremost, the Seahawks’ game plan involved a heavier reliance on tight ends, which played to Fant’s strengths. Smith consistently looked for him in key situations, and Fant responded by making tough catches in traffic and gaining yards after the catch. His chemistry with Smith appeared more in sync than in previous games, with Smith trusting Fant on intermediate routes and allowing him to make plays.
Additionally, Seattle’s coaching staff deserves credit for putting Fant in positions to succeed. They utilized his speed to create mismatches against linebackers, allowing him to exploit soft spots in the defense. Unlike some earlier games where Fant seemed underutilized, this time the game plan took full advantage of his unique skill set.
For those who had been critical of Noah Fant’s performance, this game was a reminder of the difference he can make when utilized effectively. It’s not uncommon for tight ends to take time to find their rhythm in new systems, and it appears that Fant may have turned a corner. Fans who once called for his departure have been left to ponder whether moving on from him would be a mistake, especially if he can continue building on this recent success.
For the Seahawks, this performance couldn’t have come at a better time. With playoff hopes still within reach, a productive Noah Fant could be a game-changing weapon in their offensive arsenal. His resurgence also offers Seattle more flexibility heading into the offseason. Rather than feeling pressured to find a new tight end through the draft or free agency, the Seahawks can focus on other areas of need, knowing they have a proven playmaker in Fant if he continues to perform at this level.
While one game doesn’t erase the inconsistencies of the past, it certainly shifts the conversation. Noah Fant still has several games to prove that his recent standout performance wasn’t a fluke but a sign of things to come. If he can remain healthy and maintain this level of play, he could solidify his place as a key component in Seattle’s offense moving forward.
Ultimately, Fant’s future with the Seahawks will depend on his ability to sustain this newfound momentum. But for now, he has silenced some of his critics and shown that he still has the potential to be a difference-maker in the NFL. For Seahawks fans who once wanted him gone, his latest performance serves as a reminder that sometimes, patience can pay off in unexpected ways. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Noah Fant to see if he can continue to change the narrative and cement his role as a pivotal piece in the Seahawks’ quest for success.