Noah Fant talks choosing Bengals over Dolphins, Saints
New Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant didn’t need long to make an impact in Joe Burrow’s offense.
Fant arrived just before the season and wound up catching Burrow’s first touchdown throw of the season in the win over the Cleveland Browns.
Ahead of Week 2, he sat down with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com and talked about his brief free-agency process after being cut by the Seattle Seahawks:
“I visited here. Miami. New Orleans. I probably could have signed with a team the next day, but I wanted to talk to the coaches, meet the coaches, see what their vision was for me, all these things. See where I fit in, not only into the offense, but the team and the tight end room. All that stuff is important, and being around good people. So I really felt that connection here. I feel like the most, so it was an easy decision from that standpoint.”
Timid history in free agency or not, it wasn’t a shock to see the Bengals get in on the Fant sweepstakes aggressively. We’re seeing why already: He’s perfect in that Erick All Jr. hybrid role that brings strong blocking and a serious threat in the passing game.
There will be games where Fant isn’t on the field as much as Mike Gesicki, as tight end usage will be highly matchup dependent all year. But he couldn’t have been in a better spot with a matchup against the Browns in the opener, nor in a better spot overall, thanks to the guy throwing him the ball.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson Turns Heads With Caleb Williams Comments
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is making waves with his candid comments about the highly talked-about quarterback Caleb Williams. The 24-year-old cornerback, who has shown promise as one of the league's rising stars in the secondary, didn’t hold back when discussing the future of the USC product. Williams has been the focal point of NFL draft speculation for months, and with his stock rising as one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, Johnson’s comments have added an intriguing layer to the already intense narrative.
During a recent media session, Johnson was asked about his thoughts on Williams, who has gained a reputation for his playmaking abilities as well as his leadership at USC. Johnson, ever the competitor, acknowledged Williams’ impressive talent but also offered a reality check to the hype surrounding the young quarterback.
“I’m not going to lie, I know the hype around Caleb Williams, but at the end of the day, he’s just another player we have to prepare for. You can’t ignore what he’s done in college, but when it comes to the NFL, it’s a different level. You’ve got to prove it every week, and that’s something I plan to do when we face him in the future,” Johnson stated, emphasizing his mentality of treating every opponent equally.
Johnson’s statement sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts, with some applauding his confidence and focus on the team, while others believed he might have been too dismissive of Williams' exceptional abilities. The Bears’ cornerback, however, did make sure to give credit where it was due, acknowledging Williams’ talent and potential. But as Johnson emphasized, it’s all about preparation and execution when it comes to facing top-level talent in the NFL.
His comments also shed light on his own perspective on how to deal with highly-hyped quarterbacks entering the league. Having faced off against some of the league’s best signal-callers in his career, Johnson knows the importance of sticking to his principles and focusing on the game at hand. "You can’t get caught up in the noise," Johnson explained. "When you face a guy like Caleb, you treat him like any other quarterback you’ve studied. Respect his game, but don't let the hype distract you from what you need to do on the field."
As the Bears look to build their defense around players like Johnson, his comments suggest a clear focus on teamwork, humility, and a refusal to be intimidated by any opponent. The young cornerback has already proven himself as a key asset for the Bears, and with a strong sense of determination, he’s ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead — including potentially going up against Williams in the future.
With the draft just around the corner and speculation mounting about where Caleb Williams might land, Johnson’s remarks have added some fuel to the fire of the quarterback debate. The Bears’ defensive standout is certainly making his mark in the lead-up to what could be a fascinating matchup in the coming years.
