Russell Wilson has his starting job locked up in New York for the time being. Now the real work begins. With Brian Daboll officially announcing Wilson as the Giants’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season, the focus shifts to surrounding him with the right weapons.
While second-year player Theo Johnson sits atop the tight end depth chart, there’s a proven veteran on the free agent market who could give Wilson exactly what he needs: reliable targets in the middle of the field.
Why Could Noah Fant Be the Giants’ Answer at Tight End?
USA Today’s Cory Woodroof believes the Giants should target free agent tight end Noah Fant to upgrade their offense.
“Fant could definitely help a Giants team that could use an upgrade at tight end,” writes Woodroof. “His Seattle Seahawks cut was surprising, but Fant can still help in the passing game as a high-volume tight end in the right system.”
“At the end of the day, he knows what we have here.” Ja’Marr Chase on the visit of tight end Noah Fant to the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/PgNqSHdfgb
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 24, 2025
Despite visiting with the Bengals on Thursday, Fant remains unsigned and available.
The connection between Wilson and Fant runs deeper than most realize. Ironically, Fant was part of the trade that sent Wilson from Seattle to Denver. The tight end spent the last three years with the Seahawks, hauling in 130 passes for 1,400 yards and five touchdowns. Seattle cut Fant on July 20, creating $8.91 million in cap space.
For the Giants, Fant represents a steady, experienced option. While he may not be a long-term solution, he’s the kind of plug-and-play veteran who can contribute immediately.
His blocking isn’t dominant, but at 6’4″ and 249 pounds, Fant creates matchup problems. Whether lined up in-line or split out in the slot, he can exploit his size advantage against smaller defensive backs.
Where Fant really shines is as a receiver who generates extra yards after the catch. This skill set aligns perfectly with Wilson’s preferences for timing routes and underneath work with his tight ends.
Those underneath skills make Fant a reliable target on short and intermediate routes, the kind of consistency that translates to third-down conversions and sustained drives.
What Fant brings is proven production without superstar expectations. He’d provide stability at the position while giving Wilson a steady target to lean on during his first season in New York.
Even with concerns about his blocking, Fant’s receiving ability and versatility make him an ideal fit for Daboll’s offense. He could immediately boost the passing game while bringing veteran leadership to the tight end room. The question now becomes whether the Giants can win the recruiting battle against Cincinnati for Fant’s services.
