PITTSBURGH — The Cincinnati Bengals have enhanced their offensive capabilities by signing tight end Noah Fant, a former first–round draft pick. This move comes in the midst of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL training camps as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the 2025 season, increasing the challenge for AFC North rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers. The addition gives Joe Burrow Bengals offensive weaponry even greater depth and variety.
Noah Fant’s NFL Journey and Recent Performance
Noah Fant entered the league when the Denver Broncos picked him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie by catching 40 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns. Fant continued to show consistency with back-to-back seasons of over 600 receiving yards. In a notable trade involving Russell Wilson, Fant was sent to the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for three seasons.
During his time in Seattle, Fant was a steady contributor, appearing in at least 14 games each year and recording a minimum of 30 receptions per season. His best output for the Seahawks came last season when he caught 48 passes for 500 yards and scored one touchdown. After being released earlier this summer, Fant has now joined the Bengals to bolster their offense.
The Impact on Cincinnati’s Offensive Lineup
Previously known for quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ offense now gains a new dimension through Fant’s presence. Paired with fellow tight end Mike Gesicki, Fant is expected to receive regular playing time, providing Burrow with reliable targets and additional protection options. This upgrade creates a more complex and threatening offensive formation that opponents will need to prepare for.
Rivalry with the Steelers and AFC North Dynamics
The Bengals and Steelers remain fierce competitors in the AFC North, both seeking to dethrone the Baltimore Ravens for division supremacy. Their first matchup of the 2025 regular season will take place in Week 6, allowing the Steelers to analyze the revamped Bengals offense through film. Meanwhile, the Steelers are counting on their improved defense, particularly with a strategic shift toward more man coverage, to withstand the enhanced Bengals attack.
Challenges Ahead and the Road to the AFC North Title
With Noah Fant joining the Bengals’ roster, Joe Burrow’s arsenal is now considerably stronger, intensifying the battle for the AFC North crown. The Steelers will need to rely on an upgraded defense to counteract the increased firepower across the field. As training camps continue and the regular season nears, both teams will refine their strategies in hopes of securing an edge over their rivals.
“BREAKING: The #Bengals are signing former #Seahawks TE Noah Fant, per multiple sources. The talented former first-round pick garnered significant interest — and now lands with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Chase Brown and Mike Gesicki in Cincinnati’s loaded offense.” —Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider