Three tight ends stand out as the prime candidates to dethrone Brock Bowers in 2025 dynasty leagues: Trey McBride, Tyler Warren, and Sam LaPorta. McBride surged late in his Arizona stint, posting elite yardage and targets while showing a growing red-zone presence; a modest TD bump could push him into the top tier if Bowers falters. Warren brings a versatile, fantasy-friendly profile after a first-round pick and a high-volume receiving college background, with a Colts offense that could unlock year‑one potential. LaPorta rode a historic rookie TD haul to fantasy prominence and enters a Detroit offense with playmakers around him, where incremental target growth could anchor a top‑3 ceiling. Kyler Murray’s presence in Arizona, Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in Detroit, and Jahmyr Gibbs as a dual-threat threat heighten the dynasty intrigue around all three, while TD regression and red-zone opportunities will decide who lands at TE1 in 2025. The piece also flags other potential tethers like AJ Barner, Nick Vannett, Josh Oliver, and Nate Adkins as late-season sneaks to monitor, alongside the Lions’ potent surrounding weapons, all shaping a dynamic TE landscape for rosters chasing long-term upside.

Seattle rolled out Sam Darnold in his Lumen Field debut and looked the part of a franchise quarterback on a crisp first-series scoring drive: 4-for-4 for 34 yards, using both legs and his tight ends to move the ball. Seattle’s ground game followed suit, piling up 268 rushing yards with five different backs topping 30 yards. On the other sideline, Kansas City rested Mahomes and Kelce, rolling Gardner Minshew at QB and passing game to Robert Tonyan, while Skyy Moore flashed on a late punt return. The night underscored Seattle’s intent to lean on the run and a tight-end rotation that could shape early-season fantasy value, especially around Arroyo and Barner, as Darnold cultivated chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo.

Backups did their part: Drew Lock threw two TDs to Bobo and moved the chains with a 10-of-12, 129-yard effort, while Charbonnet and Damien Martinez punched in rushing scores and helped lift a revamped Seahawks offense in wet conditions. The KC depth chart showed growth at wideout and tight end behind the stars, with Minshew connecting with Tonyan for a short score. Five Seahawks broke 30 rushing yards, a clear signal the 2025 ground attack is more fearsome than 2024, even in preseason. Noah Fant’s move to Cincinnati left a clear TE vacancy and a path for Arroyo/Barner to seize the Seattle TE job, a storyline fantasy managers will monitor as the schedule tightens.

The release of Noah Fant marks a significant shift in the Seattle Seahawks' tight end landscape, creating an opportunity for rookie Elijah Arroyo to step up. With Fant out of the picture, Arroyo is positioned to compete directly with AJ Barner for the starting tight end position. Analysts are optimistic that Arroyo, with the right performance, could solidify his role and potentially finish as a top-12 tight end by 2025.

As a rookie, Arroyo comes in with considerable talent and the potential to make an immediate impact. If he can outshine Barner in the upcoming training camps and preseason games, Arroyo's prospects for fantasy relevance could skyrocket, making him a player to watch in 2025 and beyond.

The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant move by releasing Noah Fant, a tight end who had amassed 130 receptions, 1,400 yards, and five touchdowns over three seasons with the team. This decision, made just ahead of training camp, clears $8.91 million off their salary cap, allowing for more flexibility in roster management. Seahawks' coach Mike Macdonald expressed admiration for Fant, noting that the remaining tight ends are eager to compete for a more prominent role.

With the departure of Fant, the tight end position becomes a battleground for remaining players like second-year tight end AJ Barner, who had 30 receptions for 245 yards last season, and rookie Elijah Arroyo, a second-round draft pick. The competition will provide opportunities for these players to step up in their quest for a starting job, making it essential for fantasy managers to monitor developments closely as the season approaches.

The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant roster move by releasing veteran tight end Noah Fant. This decision reflects the team's confidence in their younger tight ends, specifically AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo, who now have the opportunity to step up and showcase their talents. Fant's departure marks a shift in the Seahawks' strategy as they pivot towards developing younger players capable of contributing to the team's future success.

With Fant no longer in the mix, the Seahawks are betting on the potential of Barner and Arroyo, both of whom have shown promise in their respective college careers. This move could also suggest a broader strategy by the Seahawks to refresh their roster with youthful energy, aiming for a long-term vision rather than relying on established veterans.