The battle between Elijah Arroyo and Noah Fant is about more than just who starts at tight end. It’s a reflection of Seattle’s evolving offensive identity and a glimpse into the franchise’s long-term strategy
With a new head coach, fresh energy, and a promising rookie, the Seahawks appear ready to redefine how they use the tight end position.
Whether Arroyo overtakes Fant this season or the two coexist as complementary weapons, one thing is certain: Seattle fans are in for a fascinating ride in 2025.
For Elijah Arroyo, the 2025 season represents the beginning of what could be a bright NFL career. For Noah Fant, it might be a make-or-break campaign.
The competition between them will not only shape their individual futures but could also define the Seahawks’ offensive identity moving forward.
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Table of Contents
Elijah Arroyo and Noah Fant: The Tight End Dynamic in Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of their offense.1
With tight ends Elijah Arroyo and Noah Fant topping the depth chart, the competition at this crucial position has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 offseason.
Fant, the established starter, faces a serious challenge from Arroyo, a dynamic rookie out of Miami who is turning heads in training camp and drawing high praise from the new coaching staff.
The Emergence of Elijah Arroyo
The Seahawks’ decision to select Elijah Arroyo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft raised eyebrows initially.
But it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to understand the vision behind the pick. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s glowing endorsement of Arroyo’s skill set sheds light on what the Seahawks are planning offensively.
“This guy (Arroyo) can run an extensive route tree,” Macdonald said. “To have to account for a tight end body on the field and him also to be able to split out wide, do X receiver type of things… it’s really exciting.”
This rare combination of athleticism and versatility makes Arroyo a hybrid threat — a player who can exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties alike.
His ability to line up as a traditional in-line tight end or spread out wide creates tremendous schematic flexibility.
Mike Macdonald’s Offensive Vision
Macdonald’s background as a defensive coach gives him a unique appreciation for offensive players who force defenses to adapt.
In Arroyo, he sees more than just a traditional tight end; he sees a weapon who can be a game-changer.
When a coach emphasizes a rookie’s ability to “create bigger personnel formations” and serve as a threat from multiple alignments, it’s clear that player is central to the offensive game plan.
Macdonald appears to be tailoring part of his scheme around Arroyo’s strengths, signaling that the rookie is expected to make an impact early and often.
Noah Fant’s Declining Role?
While the buzz around Arroyo intensifies, Noah Fant finds himself in an uncertain position.2
A veteran with undeniable athletic traits, Fant has yet to consistently deliver the kind of impact expected from a former first-round pick.
His 2024 season was particularly underwhelming — just one touchdown and a modest receiving total over the course of 17 games.
This performance comes in the wake of a two-year, $21 million extension signed in March 2024. Now, less than a year later, questions are swirling about whether the Seahawks overpaid for production that simply hasn’t materialized.
Fant’s Skillset: Still Relevant?
To be fair, Fant’s skillset hasn’t disappeared. At his best, he’s a reliable target with above-average speed and solid hands.
His route running is sharp, and he can stretch the field vertically in ways few tight ends can. However, his inconsistency and apparent lack of chemistry with the quarterback have limited his ceiling.
The addition of Arroyo, who possesses many of the same traits but appears to offer more in terms of positional versatility, puts even more pressure on Fant to elevate his game or risk losing his TE1 designation.
I voted for my guy Bigs ‼️ https://t.co/2lCCiCzaKI
— Noah Fant (@nrfant) March 12, 2025
Potential Two-Tight End Formations
Seattle’s offense might not be moving toward an either/or decision when it comes to Arroyo and Fant.
There’s also a scenario in which both tight ends see significant field time. Two-tight end sets, particularly those that utilize both players’ strengths, could become a staple of the offense.
Imagine a formation with Arroyo split wide and Fant in-line, or vice versa. The mismatches this could create are tantalizing.
With a creative offensive coordinator and a quarterback who can make quick reads, Seattle could run a modern, fast-paced, mismatch-driven offense that uses tight ends the way top teams use star receivers.
The Rookie Hype: Justified or Premature?
While the early reviews of Arroyo are overwhelmingly positive, it’s worth exercising caution. Training camp praise, no matter how enthusiastic, isn’t always a reliable predictor of regular-season success.
Arroyo has yet to face the grind of an NFL season, and defenses will quickly adjust to his tendencies once there’s film available.
That said, his college pedigree and early camp performances suggest he has a high floor and an even higher ceiling.
If he stays healthy and continues to grow in his role, he could become one of the top young tight ends in the league.
Noah Fant: Financial Implications and Long-Term Outlook
The Seahawks are in an interesting spot financially. With Fant locked in for at least one more season at a significant salary, the front office has to consider how best to allocate resources.3
If Arroyo takes over as the primary tight end by midseason or in 2026, Fant could become a candidate for trade or release.
Alternatively, if both players thrive, Seattle could have one of the most dangerous tight end tandems in the NFL — a rare luxury in a league increasingly focused on spread formations and wide receivers.
Quarterback Chemistry: The X-Factor
For any tight end, chemistry with the quarterback is essential. Whether it’s Geno Smith or another signal-caller leading the Seahawks offense in 2025, their rapport with Fant and Arroyo will dictate snap counts and target share.
Fant has had more time in the system, but Arroyo’s dynamic route-running and catch radius might appeal more to a quarterback under pressure. Developing early timing and trust could be the key to Arroyo taking over the starting job.
What Seahawks Fans Should Expect
Heading into the 2025 season, fans should expect to see plenty of experimentation at the tight end position.
Macdonald and his staff are clearly enamored with Arroyo’s abilities, and they’re likely to find creative ways to get him on the field — even if Fant remains nominally the starter.
Look for Arroyo to get red zone targets, key third-down looks, and maybe even deep shots if the matchup calls for it. His performance in those moments will determine how quickly he ascends in the pecking order.
Could Arroyo Be the Next Big Thing?
Every few years, a tight end enters the league and immediately makes a name for himself — think Kyle Pitts, Sam LaPorta, or Dalton Kincaid.
Elijah Arroyo has the potential to be that kind of breakout rookie in 2025. He checks all the boxes: size, speed, hands, and route versatility.
If the Seahawks can harness his talents and keep him healthy, Arroyo could become a cornerstone of their offense for years to come.
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Noah Fant: A Veteran at a Crossroads
A Once Secure Role Now in Jeopardy
Noah Fant arrived in Seattle with high expectations following his trade from Denver. For much of his tenure, he has served as the team’s top tight end, offering athleticism and decent production.
However, his time as the clear-cut starter might be coming to an end. With the emergence of Elijah Arroyo, Fant now finds himself fighting for his job in the final year of his contract.
The 2025 season is crucial for Fant—not just for his standing in Seattle, but for his future in the NFL. Entering the final year of his deal, Fant will need to deliver standout performances if he hopes to secure a contract extension with the Seahawks or attract interest from other teams.
The current market for tight ends, particularly those in backup roles, is highly competitive and financially limited. Fant has to prove that he still deserves starter-level pay.
Areas for Improvement
Fant has always been known for his athletic ability, but critics point to inconsistency and underwhelming blocking as areas for concern.
If he wants to maintain his position or earn a lucrative deal in free agency, he must round out his skill set. That means becoming a more complete tight end—one who can contribute in both the passing and running games.
The upcoming training camp battle between Fant and Arroyo is not just about who is better at running routes or making blocks—it’s also a narrative of youth versus experience.
Arroyo brings upside and potential, while Fant offers knowledge of NFL speed and complexity. The Seahawks coaching staff must weigh long-term development against short-term production.
Fant is more of a vertical threat, able to stretch the field with his speed. Arroyo, while athletic in his own right, brings a more physical presence. He excels in contested-catch situations and red-zone plays.
Depending on the offensive strategy of the new season, either player’s style could be favored, or the team might opt for a rotational approach that leverages both.
Noah Fant: Coaching Perspective
Shane Waldron’s Offensive Philosophy
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron likes to use tight ends in creative ways, including motion, slot alignments, and traditional in-line roles.
For him, versatility is key. Arroyo’s ability to line up in multiple spots and even throw the ball could be enticing.
Fant’s speed and downfield ability also align well with Waldron’s schemes. Ultimately, whoever adapts better to the offensive vision will likely earn more snaps.
In an offense that wants to establish the run and protect a still-developing quarterback room, blocking will be crucial.
This might tip the scales in favor of Arroyo if he can hold his own against NFL defenders. Fant, on the other hand, will need to prove that he’s not a liability in this department.
Noah Fant: Fans Meetup
With the help of Unilever, Noah Fant met with his fans and distributed signing autographs and taking pictures with the most deserving football fans.
View this post on Instagram
The Business of Football: Implications for the Seahawks’ Future
The Seahawks must also consider the salary cap when deciding who to keep long-term.
Arroyo is on a rookie contract and will be significantly cheaper than Fant, who may demand upwards of $8–10 million annually if he performs well in 2025.
If the production gap between them isn’t massive, Seattle may opt to go with the more cost-effective option.
Injuries are always a factor in the NFL. While the focus is on who starts, depth at tight end is equally important. If both Fant and Arroyo make the final roster, the Seahawks could have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league. That depth could pay off during the grueling 17-game season.
The Fans Are Watching
Seattle fans are known for being passionate and informed. They will undoubtedly track this position battle closely, forming opinions based on preseason games and training camp reports.
Arroyo’s hype train is already building steam, and any positive plays in practice or preseason will only fuel the excitement.
While coaching decisions are (and should be) made based on on-field performance, the media spotlight can sometimes influence narratives.
If Arroyo continues to get favorable coverage and Fant struggles early, the pressure to hand over the reins could intensify quickly.
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