AP FILE PHOTO - Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle.

CINCINNATI — Tight end Noah Fant’s search for a new team is over after signing a one-year contract with Cincinnati, the Bengals announced on Thursday.

Fant’s decision to choose the Bengals was anticipated earlier in the day with coach Zac Taylor hinting at the potential signing in speaking to reporters before practice.

“You’ve got a player that’s really a plus player in both the run and the pass. At the point of attack blocking, back side of blocking. Protection, can help you. Also really explosive as a receiver,” Taylor said about Fant. “Great size, great explosiveness, really good hands. Tough to bring down. We really feel good about where our tight end room will be.”

Fant visited the Bengals last week after being released by the Seattle Seahawks on July 20. He had 48 receptions for 500 yards and a touchdown in 14 games last season.

Fant is entering his seventh season. He was a first-round pick out of Iowa by the Denver Broncos in 2019.