NEW ORLEANS, La. (WGNO) – “Two times the charm”, as the Saints acquire new tight end Noah Fant.

“Took us two times to get this guy, so I had to give him a little bit of crap for that”, says head coach Kellen Moore. “So, the second time worked.”

The Saints looked to add Fant in 2025, but Fant pivoted to Cincinnati instead, joining LSU greats, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

“My last year in Cincinnati, I didn’t have my best year”, says Fant. “That’s not something I shied away from. That’s something that I really took to heart and felt like I really wanted a place that believed in me.”

Now, Fant can’t escape that Louisiana flavor as he brings his talents to the Crescent City, filling the void of Foster Moreau, while teaming up with Juwan Johnson.

“Watching his film, he’s done a great job of his receiving ability. Being able to block in the run game also so just being able to have two guys on the field that doesn’t really tip off anything that you’re doing is something that’s very adventagious so I definitely think that we can offer that together.”

In seven seasons, the former first-rounder spent three years with the Broncos and Seahawks, before playing a single year with the Bengals.

He’s appeared in 110 career games with 90 starts – recording 334 catches for nearly 4,000 yards and 18 scores.

Fant says he brings balance to an offense – being able to catch the ball well, blocking and even sticking his nose in the run game.

“Be able to do all of those things and add any element that they need me to. I’m excited for that opportunity to team up with Juwan. Obviously, that’s already here.”

“His ability to line up in a number of positions is very valuable. So obviously, he’ll be a great asset to this. His ability to team up with Juwan and the rest of that tight end group will be great.”

Conversations with the Saints last year were a little blurred for Fant.

For starters, the quarterback situation was questionable, but now he appreciates the drive of Tyler Shough.

Meanwhile, Fant has admired an offense curated by Kellen Moore where tight ends are used in multiple facets of the game.

Now, Fant has that opportunity to prove himself in that system.

“When he was in Philly honestly. He’s done great things, all down the line and I think I’ve just wanted to be apart of that system for a good amount of time. It hasn’t worked out exactly until now but it’s definitely something that I’ve looked forward to.”

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