Seahawks Rumors: Noah Fant's 5th-Year Contract Option Exercised After Broncos Trade

The Seattle Seahawks exercised the fifth-year option in tight end Noah Fant's contract Tuesday, tying him to the organization through the 2023 season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Fant is the first player from the 2019 NFL draft class to have his option picked up. 

Despite not being drafted by the Seahawks, he is the first player in franchise history to have his fifth-year rookie option picked up.

The option will guarantee Fant around $6.9 million for the 2023 season. Seattle acquired Fant from the Broncos as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver last month.

While he hasn't emerged as a Pro Bowler through three seasons, Fant has recorded at least 60 receptions and 670 yards through the air each of the last two seasons. He set career highs with 68 receptions and four touchdowns in 2021.

Pro Football Focus was a little less kind with its grading than Fant's counting stats, giving him a 61.6 grade. He was considered backup quality or worse in two of his three NFL seasons.

It's unclear whether Fant's production will ever match his physical skills, but the Seahawks were pressed against a corner in terms of picking up his option. The team couldn't exactly cut bait one season after acquiring Fant in a deal that saw them trade arguably the best player in franchise history.