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The Seattle Seahawks received contributions on offense last season from a variety of playmakers. One of the breakout studs was tight end AJ Barner. After a rookie season that flashed some potential, Barner took a huge step as a sophomore in 2025, registering 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns.
Barner finished second on the team in receiving touchdowns behind just Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Barner was also huge in the playoffs, recording 54 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl 60 win over the New England Patriots. The former Michigan standout played a keynote role in Seattle's ultimate triumph.
The Seahawks could realistically expect another similar season from Barner. The offense still has plenty of weapons, with Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed all back at wide receiver. A full season of Shaheed should lead to a productive campaign for the speedy wideout who was a midseason acquisition via trade.
Barner may also split more reps with Elijah Arroyo at tight end. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury comes over from the San Francisco 49ers, where George Kittle is a huge factor. Fleury appreciates his tight ends, and the sophomore Arroyo, like Barner did last year, looks primed to take a developmental step forward.
Barner is capable of being even better in 2026, but the Seahawks will probably spread the ball around. It's an excellent problem to have on offense. Rely on Barner showing up when it matters most.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: What are realistic expectations for Seahawks TE AJ Barner this season?
Continue reading...
Barner finished second on the team in receiving touchdowns behind just Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Barner was also huge in the playoffs, recording 54 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl 60 win over the New England Patriots. The former Michigan standout played a keynote role in Seattle's ultimate triumph.
The Seahawks could realistically expect another similar season from Barner. The offense still has plenty of weapons, with Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed all back at wide receiver. A full season of Shaheed should lead to a productive campaign for the speedy wideout who was a midseason acquisition via trade.
Barner may also split more reps with Elijah Arroyo at tight end. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury comes over from the San Francisco 49ers, where George Kittle is a huge factor. Fleury appreciates his tight ends, and the sophomore Arroyo, like Barner did last year, looks primed to take a developmental step forward.
Barner is capable of being even better in 2026, but the Seahawks will probably spread the ball around. It's an excellent problem to have on offense. Rely on Barner showing up when it matters most.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: What are realistic expectations for Seahawks TE AJ Barner this season?
Continue reading...
