The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a significant step to boost Joe Burrow’s Super Bowl push by signing tight end Noah Fant, a proven NFL veteran with 15 career touchdown catches. This addition, announced in late July 2025, aims to enhance Cincinnati’s dynamic passing offense and provide Burrow with another reliable weapon as the team strives to contend at the highest level.
Following substantial contract extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals seemed set with their offensive personnel. However, the team continued to refine its roster by upgrading both the offensive line and the tight end position, recognizing the importance of reinforcing Burrow’s support system to maximize their championship aspirations.
Adding Noah Fant Gives Bengals a New Offensive Weapon
Despite retaining their core offensive stars, Cincinnati expanded its options by drafting guard Dylan Fairchild from Georgia and signing former New Orleans Saints lineman Lucas Patrick to strengthen the interior line. The signing of tight end Noah Fant complements these moves by adding a versatile receiving threat that had been missing from the Bengals’ offense.
Noah Fant, formerly a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2019, brings a solid NFL résumé with 300 receptions totaling 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns over 95 games. After being traded to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson deal, Fant was released earlier in July 2025 but quickly attracted the Bengals’ interest to bolster their tight end group, which already includes Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson.
“The Bengals are finalizing a deal with free agent tight end Noah Fant, per source. Fant was released by the Seahawks earlier this month, but now joins a tight end room in Cincinnati that includes Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson.” —Dianna Russini, Senior NFL Insider, The Athletic
The addition signals Cincinnati’s commitment to optimizing Burrow’s prime years by introducing a proven target who can impact both the passing game and offensive versatility. Fant’s arrival adds depth and a new dimension that could prove decisive in critical game situations.
What Noah Fant Brings to Cincinnati’s Offensive Strategy
At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Noah Fant stands out for his receiving skills rather than his blocking prowess. He has caught 71.6% of his targets, demonstrating reliable hands and an ability to create separation downfield, making him a trustworthy option for Burrow across the middle and on vertical routes. While blocking remains an area for improvement, Fant’s background at Iowa and youth suggest potential growth in run-blocking effectiveness, enhancing the Bengals’ ground attack.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can now deploy Fant in multiple ways, stretching defenses vertically while also exploiting mismatches underneath. This versatility should especially benefit Cincinnati in the red zone, where Fant’s size and athleticism provide a significant advantage against defenders.
How Noah Fant and Mike Gesicki Could Form a Dual Threat at Tight End
The tandem of Fant and Mike Gesicki creates an intriguing dual-threat scenario for opposing defenses. Both tight ends excel as receivers, but their skill sets differ enough to challenge defensive game plans. Gesicki is noted for his athleticism and vertical leap, often dominating in red-zone targets, while Fant offers consistent hands and dependable route running.
In the 2024-25 season, Cincinnati ran 308 plays out of 12 personnel, which employs one running back and two tight ends, accounting for 28.52% of their offensive snaps. Utilizing Fant and Gesicki simultaneously could continue and even enhance this approach, forcing defenses to cover the seam, the middle of the field, and all three passing levels.
While neither tight end is a dominant blocker, their receiving threats will keep defensive linebackers and safeties off balance, opening opportunities for wide receivers Chase and Higgins as well as the running game. This 12 personnel look could be especially effective in key moments, providing Burrow with multiple dangerous options.
The competitive landscape of the AFC North intensifies the value of reliable offensive weapons. Fant’s signing might prove pivotal in tipping the balance within this three-team division race, giving Cincinnati an edge in close contests and crucial passing situations.
Implications for Cincinnati’s Super Bowl Ambitions
By signing Noah Fant, the Bengals not only strengthen their offensive arsenal but also demonstrate a clear commitment to maximizing Joe Burrow’s championship window. The combination of Fant’s experience and skill with existing offensive talents positions Cincinnati to challenge for the AFC North title and pursue a deep playoff run.
If Fant and Gesicki can synchronize effectively and open the middle of the field for Burrow while maintaining pressure on defenses across all levels, the Bengals could overcome division rivals and present a formidable matchup in the postseason. This strategic move signals Cincinnati’s intent to evolve from perennial playoff contenders to serious Super Bowl contenders.