Where the pieces of the Russell Wilson trade fit into Seahawks plan

Tight end Noah Fant

Let’s begin with the easiest of the three players to decipher.  Noah Fant is an athletic freak at the tight end, but not much of a blocker.  I believe the acquisition of Fant singlehandedly shifted the plan at tight end for 2022.  Without him, I’m fairly certain Gerald Everett would have been resigned.

Clearly the team loves Will Dissly and gave him a big-time deal this offseason, but that likely stems from the fact that Dissly is a locker room leader and a great run blocker.

The way I see Fant used in 2022 is as a great outlet/middle of the field receiver for whoever winds up starting at quarterback.  If it ends up being Drew Lock (and don’t be surprised if it does), Fant has a rapport with him from Denver.  If it’s a rookie under center, then Fant provides a big target closer to the line of scrimmage for that rookie.

Fant doesn’t have the surest hands, but he is certainly explosive.  Like Drew Lock said at his introductory press conference, Noah Fant can do big things with the ball in his hands in terms of yards after the catch.  He’s never had a season with under 550 receiving yards, even with subpar quarterback play.  The last time the Seahawks had a tight end break 550 receiving yards?  Jimmy Graham in 2016.  I’m excited for there to be a new true receiving threat at the position.