Noah Fant

At 28.2 years old, Fant is firmly in the decline phase for tight ends. His production trajectory from Denver (2019-21 peak) through Seattle (downward) to Cincinnati (minimal role) reflects continued regression.

Fant is an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season begins March 11, with no guaranteed future in Cincinnati. His one-year, $2.75M deal has expired and the Bengals may not re-sign him given his three fumbles returned for touchdowns in 2025.

Fant remains the clear TE2 behind Mike Gesicki, who signed a three-year, $25.5M extension and dominates the receiving work. Erick All's return from injury in 2026 further complicates Fant's role as Cincinnati's preferred complete tight end.

Fant signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2026 free agency after being phased out in Cincinnati. His new role, depth chart position, and target share at a new organization are unknown at this stage of the offseason.

Final-4-game logs show target share cratering to 3% on 22% snaps with a #38 PPR finish — Fant enters NO as the third option in a TE room that funnels volume to Johnson and a deep WR corps (Olave, Tyson).

Tyler Shough is the Saints' unproven 2026 starter with Spencer Rattler trade rumors creating further instability. A shaky QB situation suppresses TE upside across the board on this roster.

As a primary receiving option in the Bengals' red zone with their weak TE room depth, Fant could see scoring opportunities even without massive target volume.

If Gesicki suffers injury, Fant could step into TE1 role with immediate ceiling games. He showed competence with elevated targets when Gesicki missed time mid-season.

As an unrestricted free agent, Fant could sign with a team needing a veteran TE2/TE3 option. His athleticism and blocking versatility remain valuable traits that teams seeking two-TE sets may target on a veteran minimum contract.

Leaving a CIN TE room featuring Mike Gesicki, Erick All, and Drew Sample removes the primary bottleneck on his usage. At the Saints, he may have a cleaner path to snaps depending on their depth chart.

If Juwan Johnson misses time, Fant becomes the primary TE in a Kellen Moore offense that historically uses tight ends in the passing game. Injury-fill upside is the lone meaningful dynasty catalyst.

Fant scored 3 TDs on minimal 2025 usage, suggesting red zone packaging will follow him to New Orleans. Touchdown-dependent value could generate sporadic fantasy weeks even without a target-share role.