The NFL is back in full swing with training camps going on for all 32 teams. One of the more interesting teams during training camp has been one of the Kansas City Chiefs' biggest AFC rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. In Cincinnati, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has yet to practice due to contract disputes, and rookie Shemar Stewart only signed at the end of last week.
That said, on Thursday, the Bengals signed another player who can help their offense. According to Adam Schefter, the Bengals signed tight end Noah Fant to a one-year deal. Though Kansas City's tight end room is crowded, adding Fant would have been a smart move.
Bengals are giving former Seahawks and Broncos TE Noah Fant a one-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2025
Bengals also have released TE Kole Taylor. https://t.co/ilvNCpBVXf
TE Noah Fant Signs with Chiefs Rival Despite Fans' Interest
Fant, a former first-round pick, has never truly lived up to that billing. Still, the 27-year-old has had a solid career up to this point. In six seasons, the former Iowa Hawkeye has recorded 300 receptions on 419 targets for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Moreover, he has tallied 500 or more yards in four out of six NFL seasons. While that's nowhere near the level of output a tight end drafted in the first round should have, he's a solid No.2 option. Therefore, Kansas City missed out on a big opportunity to sign Fant.
Everyone knows it's only a matter of time before Travis Kelce retires, which is why the Chiefs have been trying to set up a succession plan for him. Noah Gray has been the No.2 tight end for the past few seasons and has proven to be solid. However, beyond him, Kansas City has some intriguing players who have yet to pan out.
On top of that list is second-year tight end Jared Wiley. Wiley missed the majority of his rookie season with an ACL injury. He was expected to show strides in training camp, but so far, he hasn't stood out.
Then, there is rookie Jake Briningstool, who some were high on entering training camp. Unfortunately, Briningstool has dealt with some injuries and has also yet to stand out. Adding Fant would not only have added depth for this season, but he could have been a piece once Kelce retires.
At only 27, Fant likely has at least three to four seasons left. Pairing him and Gray would have given the Chiefs a good tight end duo. Even though Kansas City will have a chance to sign Fant during the 2026 offseason, missing out on him now means he won't be as prepared to play for the Chiefs next season.
Ultimately, the Bengals made a smart move by bringing in Fant to pair him with Mike Gesicki. For the Chiefs, missing out on the 27-year-old tight end is a missed opportunity to bolster their depth and begin grooming a future replacement for Travis Kelce. If Fant thrives in Cincinnati, Kansas City may regret not making a move sooner