The Seattle Seahawks' selection of Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo with the 50th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked significant discussion about the future of current TE1 Noah Fant. Arroyo, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 254 pounds, brings a similar skill set and physical profile to Fant, who has been with the team for three seasons.

Elijah Arroyo's College Performance Arroyo showcased his abilities at Miami, catching 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2024 season. His 16.9 yards per reception led all FBS tight ends, highlighting his breakaway speed and run-after-catch ability. Despite missing the NFL Combine's 40-yard dash due to a knee injury, the Seahawks estimate his speed at 4.52 to 4.53 seconds, comparable to Fant's 4.50.

Noah Fant's Situation Fant, who signed a two-year, $21 million deal in March 2024, has seen his production not match his contract's value. With a $13.41 million cap charge for 2025, the Seahawks could save $9 million by trading or cutting him. His recent performance, including only five touchdowns in three seasons, has raised questions about his future with the team.

Team's Vision for Arroyo New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak sees Arroyo potentially taking over as the X receiver, especially after DK Metcalf's trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arroyo's versatility in route running and his ability to play both in-line and split out wide provide the Seahawks with a dynamic offensive weapon.

Fant's Potential Departure A logical plan for the Seahawks would be to assess Fant's trade market later in the summer, considering Arroyo's readiness to step into a starting role. The team's excitement about Arroyo's potential to create matchup problems for defenses suggests a possible shift in their tight end strategy.

Conclusion The arrival of Elijah Arroyo brings a new dimension to the Seahawks' offense, potentially signaling the end of Noah Fant's tenure with the team. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Seahawks manage this transition and utilize Arroyo's unique talents.