Seahawks bring back veteran tight end

The Seattle Seahawks have reunited with veteran tight end Nick Vannett, signing the former third-round pick on Friday. To clear a spot on the 90-man roster, Seattle waived cornerback Tyrone Broden.

Vannett was selected by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and spent the first part of his NFL career with the franchise. He appeared in 42 games, making 16 starts, before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 season.

Since leaving Seattle, Vannett has played for the Steelers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. Across 10 NFL seasons, he has accumulated 108 receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns.

Vannett’s best season with Seattle came in 2018, when he caught 29 passes on 43 targets for 269 yards and three touchdowns.

More recently, Vannett contributed for the Titans in 2024, recording 17 receptions on 20 targets for 135 yards and three touchdowns while starting 10 of 17 games.

During the 2025 season, Vannett split time between the Vikings and Rams, appearing in 10 games with one start. He played 55 offensive snaps without receiving a target and added 76 snaps on special teams.

Broden, who switched from wide receiver to cornerback this offseason, was waived after previously being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The 6-foot-5 defensive back finished last season on Seattle’s practice squad/injured list with an undisclosed injury.

Vannett now returns to the organization where his NFL career began as he looks to earn a place on the Seahawks roster for the 2026 season.