Most of the conversation surrounding the Patriots heading into training camp is not about adding players to their roster, at least those who remain free agents. Instead, there has been considerable speculation regarding their potential interest in star players who are seeking new contracts and have yet to settle their frustrations with their current teams, such as Bengals' pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and Commanders' wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
While either option would be a significant upgrade to their already improved roster, there's a good chance Mike Vrabel and Co. are not interested in pulling off a blockbuster trade in hopes of rolling over the estimated $60 million in cap to next year. Or they won't manage to make a strong enough offer to make a trade happen.
They could, however, look to add a player in free agency, especially when an intriguing player at a weaker position on the team just became available. That is the case with tight end Noah Fant, who was released on Sunday afternoon by the Seahawks just days before training camp begins.
The #Seahawks released TE Noah Fant. Young, talented player who should be an intriguing option. pic.twitter.com/d1s5xE0xxd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 20, 2025
The Patriots could make a move to add more offensive help to the tight end roster
The tight end room has not been considered a vulnerable area of the Patriots team, primarily because of the presence of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Beyond the two veterans, however, there is questionable depth, even more so with the news that Hooper will begin training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, as revealed by ESPN's Mike Reiss.
That could inevitably make them interested in a player like Fant, who the Patriots have been connected to in the past, especially during the 2019 draft, now that he is a free agent.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Broncos and the Seahawks in the years since he joined the league, averaging nearly 600 yards per season and a 71% catch percentage. He might not put up the same numbers as someone like George Kittle or Brock Bowers, but he can be another solid weapon for Drake Maye to work with, while also being utilized as a pass blocker.
Filling in for Hooper, if he misses some time at the start of the season, while also preparing for life post-Henry, would be a reason for Mike Vrabel to consider signing Fant. He would have some great veterans to learn and work with in the meantime, and he could probably be signed for a reasonable price, which becomes invaluable when considering how beneficial he could be for the offense's success this fall.