Nick Vannett is coming home.
The Seattle Seahawks signed the veteran tight end ahead of the start of training camp, the team announced, bringing back the player who started his NFL career in the Pacific Northwest a decade ago.
The Reunion
The move followed a tryout earlier in the week, with Seattle also evaluating former Packers tight end Josiah Deguara and former Vikings draft pick Nick Muse.
The workouts came after the Seahawks waived Harrison Bryant with an injury designation.
Vannett, 33, was originally drafted by Seattle in the third round, 94th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, and spent his first three seasons with the Seahawks before being traded to the Steelers in 2019.
Seahawks signed veteran TE Nick Vannett, who started his NFL career in Seattle.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2026
Vannett spent the second half of last season with the Los Angeles Rams, whose offensive system resembles what the Seahawks will run under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, meaning his familiarity could help other players adapt to the scheme.
The Role
Vannett is not expected to be a major factor in the passing game.
A.J. Barner remains the clear headliner in Seattle's tight end room after emerging as a significant part of the offense, while Elijah Arroyo offers receiving upside after an injury-interrupted rookie season.
Vannett more likely competes for a complementary role, offering value as a blocker in the run game and a contributor on special teams, with veteran Eric Saubert, Nick Kallerup, and undrafted rookie Lance Mason also in the mix for depth spots.
The Westerville, Ohio native has carved out a long and well-traveled career, suiting up for an astounding nine teams across 10 NFL seasons, including the Seahawks, Steelers, Broncos, Saints, Giants, Chargers, Titans, Vikings, and Rams.
He owns 108 career receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns.
His signing also suggests the Seahawks intend to lean on their tight end group in 2026, which could mean more looks for Barner and Arroyo as the offense takes shape.
