Noah Fant

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Fant's early career was defined by immediate productivity in Denver. In his rookie season of 2019, he finished with 40 receptions for 562 yards and three touchdowns, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His breakout moment came during Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns, where he secured three catches for 115 yards, including a massive 75-yard touchdown that helped secure a 24–19 victory. He followed this with another 113-yard performance and a score against the Houston Texans in Week 14. By 2020, Fant improved his numbers to 62 receptions for 673 yards and three touchdowns. His 2021 season saw him set career highs with 68 receptions and four receiving touchdowns, highlighted by a nine-catch, 97-yard performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.

In Their Own Story

The trade that reshaped Fant's path occurred on March 16, 2022, when he was sent to the Seattle Seahawks alongside two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, and defensive lineman Shelby Harris in exchange for quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks immediately exercised his fifth-year option on April 12, 2022. After starting all 17 games in 2023, Fant signed a two-year, $21 million extension on March 13, 2024. However, the trajectory shifted dramatically when he was released by the Seahawks on July 20, 2025. Following interest from multiple teams, including the Dolphins and Saints, Fant signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on July 31, 2025. His time in Cincinnati included a one-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the season opener, though he also recorded three fumbles returned for touchdowns over 34 receptions that season.

Reader's Guide

Fant's journey concluded its latest chapter when he signed a two-year, $8.75 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 11, 2026. Prior to his NFL career, Fant set a state record at Omaha South High School with 86 receptions, 1,700 yards, and 15 touchdowns. At Iowa, he tied the national record for tight end touchdowns in a season with 11 during his sophomore year and led the nation in yards per catch at 16.5. His college dominance earned him Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 and a preseason All-American selection before the 2018 season. On the field, he made his first career rush attempt in Week 1 of 2019, losing five yards against the Raiders.

Did You Know?

• Fant attended Morton Magnet Middle School before playing football for them.
• He transferred from Omaha Burke High School to Omaha South High School, where he set state records.
• The Broncos acquired his draft pick by trading down from the 10th overall selection.
• His cousin, Princeton Fant, plays tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.
• In Week 1 of his rookie season, Fant rushed one time for -5 yards.