The Seattle Seahawks are welcoming back a familiar face by signing offensive lineman George Fant to a two-year deal this offseason.

Fant, 31, went undrafted in 2016 and became part of the Seahawks’ offensive line depth. After tearing his ACL in 2017, he played a key role for Seattle in 2018 and 2019 before signing with the New York Jets.

Fant played three years with the Jets, and had an injury-filled year in 2022, limiting him to just eight games. However, Fant rebounded in 2023 with the Houston Texans, starting 13 games for the team en route to a surprise playoff berth. After revitalizing his career in Houston, the Seahawks were happy to bring him back to where it all started.

“He did a really nice job last year down in Houston,” Schneider said via Seattle Sports. “He can play left tackle, can play right tackle, has played a little guard in the past. We know him very well, obviously. He’s a great guy, really excited to be back in the building so it’s great to see his smiling face today. He’s a great competitor and really good dude. It was pretty neat to see him hugging all the people in the building that he’s missed over the years, so he was excited to get back. But yes, his role will be as like a utility offensive tackle.”

Versatility in offensive linemen like Fant is crucial for a long season. That’s why he’s been able to play for nine years in the league. With the loss of backup lineman Jake Curhan and guard Damien Lewis, the Seahawks need depth in the trenches, and Fant provides exactly that.