Seahawks Cut Former First-Round Pick Noah Fant in Stunning Move
The Seattle Seahawks made headlines again after releasing Noah Fant, a 2019 NFL first-round draft pick, just three days before the start of training camp. Fant, who joined Seattle in the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, played 48 games over three seasons for the team.
During that time, he notched 130 receptions, 1,400 yards, and five touchdowns — solid but unspectacular numbers for a player with first-round expectations. His release opens up nearly $9 million in cap space and signals a new direction for the Seahawks’ offense.
New Era for Seattle With Darnold and Youth Movement
The Seahawks are clearly preparing for a fresh start. With Sam Darnold taking over as quarterback and young tight ends like AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo stepping up, the team is leaning into a youth movement. Darnold’s arrival from Minnesota and Cooper Kupp’s surprise addition from the Rams show a clear shake-up in progress.
The move to cut Fant might also indicate a broader focus on developing players who better fit the new offensive scheme under head coach Mike Macdonald. As the Seahawks shift from rebuilding to reloading, every roster spot counts. Especially with a younger core and a quarterback looking to prove himself in a new system.
The quarterback transition also reflects bigger shifts. Geno Smith, now in Las Vegas with Pete Carroll and Tom Brady’s revamped Raiders, was shipped out earlier this year. Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal and opens the 2025 season at home against the 49ers.
Fant’s release is a harsh reminder that NFL jobs are never guaranteed, even for first-rounders. With training camp starting July 23, all eyes are on whether Seattle’s gamble pays off.
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