George Fant Gets Second Chance But Seahawks Were Right Not To Choose Him

George Fant has had quite the unexpected career. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and found his way to starting 10 games at left tackle as a rookie. Was he ready? Maybe not, but he wasn't awful.

Had Fant never played another down in the NFL after 2016, he would have had a notable career for someone who was a tight end in college. But Fant didn't stop after his relative rookie success. He didn't play at all in 2017 due to an injury, but started 14 more games for Seattle over the next two years.

That is when his career truly got interesting. Between 2020 and 2023, he was a full-time starter for the New York Jets and then one season for the Houston Texans. He then re-signed with the Seahawks as a free agent last offseason and was expected to start at right guard until Abe Lucas returned.

Former Seattle Seahawks tackle George Fant finds new home with the Washington Commanders

The problem was that Fant got hurt in Week 1. He appeared in just two games, and he wasn't good when he did play.

The Seahawks released him this offseason, as the safe assumption was that Fant would be easily injured in the future. He had a history of injuries in his career, and he was 32 years old. But just as Fant's career arc has gone, he made another unexpected move this week.

He signed with the Washington Commanders this week and is expected to be the backup swing offensive tackle behind left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right tackle Josh Conery Jr. Of course, the plan was for Fant to do the same for the Seahawks last year, and that clearly didn't work.

Washington is struggling with injuries, and adding a veteran presence makes sense. Fant is set to challenge veteran Trent Scott as the swing tackle because the Commanders may need Andrew Wylie at guard.

But if Washington is going to be forced to count on Fant, that is likely not a good thing. He's never been very good at blocking for the run, and has been increasingly inconsistent as a pass blocker. In 16 pass-block snaps for the Seahawks in 2024, he allowed three total pressures, including two sacks.

Of course, Fant is no longer the Seahawks' problem. That issue lies with the Washington Commanders. The surprising part is that any team gave the now-33-year-old offensive tackle another chance.