Seahawks Elevate Rookie Elijah Arroyo Amid Noah Fant Uncertainty

The Seattle Seahawks are counting on rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, their No. 50 overall pick, to fill the void left by star receiver DK Metcalf, with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak envisioning Arroyo as a versatile weapon who can line up both inline and as a wide receiver. Arroyo’s size, speed, and route-running ability have impressed the Seahawks coaching staff, including head coach Mike Macdonald, who highlighted Arroyo's capacity to run an extensive route tree and create mismatches in various formations. Currently listed as the second tight end behind Noah Fant, Arroyo’s emergence has cast uncertainty on Fant’s future, especially given Fant's underwhelming production relative to his $21 million contract and the Seahawks’ potential to trade him depending on Arroyo’s health and readiness. Despite Arroyo’s past knee injuries, he is reportedly fully healthy and poised to compete for a starting role, with the Seahawks hoping he can provide the receiving threat they have lacked at the tight end position for years. The Seahawks have also bolstered their receivers corps with additions like Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, aiming to upgrade their passing game overall. If Arroyo lives up to expectations, he could become a key offensive weapon and reshape Seattle’s offensive dynamics.