AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks
Tight End #88
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

AJ Barner News RotoBaller

AJ Barner Not a Streaming Option in Week 5

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is off the streaming radar in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Barner is simply not receiving enough volume in this offense to trust in fantasy this season. Not to mention, the 49ers are No. 5 against opposing tight ends in fantasy this season. This is a tough matchup for the Seahawks offense overall. San Francisco has more or less shut down most of the offenses they have played this season. Your best bet for fantasy value from Barner is a tush-push goal line carry, given the Seahawks' struggles with conventional goal line rushes this season. Otherwise, Barner has only surpassed three targets once this season. There does exist a world in which Seattle and San Francisco enter into a shootout. In that scenario, Barner would almost certainly see additional volume. In Week 3 when the offense was forced to score heavily, Barner earned nine targets. However, with Seattle's defense playing so well most of the time, it is better to err on the side of caution with Barner this week.

Oct 9, 2026 3:04 PM EST

AJ Barner Working His Way Into Streaming Conversation

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner could be a potential streamer in a pinch in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. With quarterback Sam Darnold back in the lineup in Week 3, Barner recorded five receptions on a whopping nine targets for 69 yards. While nine targets will not be prescriptive moving forward, Barner's involvement at the hands of Darnold was encouraging. Seattle does not project to be in many shootouts like the one they found themselves in in Week 3, but Barner has been an ascending player since the second half of the 2025 season. His ability after the catch makes him an intriguing player for fantasy. Additionally, he is a fantastic red zone threat. The Chargers are No. 15 against opposing tight ends in fantasy this season. Barner is not a must-start, but if you are struggling at tight end in a deep league, he is a potential option in Week 4.

Oct 2, 2026 8:43 AM EST

AJ Barner Trending Up After Starting Quarterback Returns

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner had a relatively small role in the passing attack through the first two weeks of the season, but his volume shot up with quarterback Sam Darnold returning from injury in Week 3. During Sunday's loss, Barner exploded for nine targets, five catches, and 69 receiving yards. This was the second-highest target total of his career, suggesting that he's trending up with Darnold back in action. Barner may not get nine targets every week, but all signs point to him remaining on the fantasy radar as he continues to show off his rapport with Darnold. There's a case to be made that the 24-year-old is Darnold's second-favorite target, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Barner has low-end TE1 appeal heading into Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sep 30, 2026 9:06 PM EST

AJ Barner Off the Fantasy Radar Until Further Notice

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is not a fantasy option in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Barner is not receiving enough volume in an offense that runs through wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Three targets in two games are not enough to move the needle for fantasy, despite Barner scoring a rushing touchdown in Week 2. The good news is that Barner has been on the field for at least 80% of the snaps in both games. Additionally, Smith-Njigba is unlikely to command a 44% target share for a full season. With quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) returning from injury this week, the passing attack stands to balance out to something closer to what it was in 2025. Even so, leave Barner on waivers until he displays more involvement in this passing offense.

Sep 25, 2026 2:23 PM EST

AJ Barner a TE2 in Week 2

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is a TE2 in Week 2 at the Arizona Cardinals. Barner was a non-factor in Week 1, earning just two targets. Seattle's offense was out of sorts with backup quarterback Drew Lock having to step in early for an injured Sam Darnold (glute). Better days should be ahead for Barner, but it is difficult to trust the third-year tight end until we know how the pass catchers will be supported by Lock over the next couple of weeks. Week 2's matchup with Arizona does not present a huge challenge for Seattle's offense, so Barner could get loose in the red zone. However, deploying him in fantasy would be a very risky move. For now, leave Barner on your bench. If he demonstrates chemistry with Lock after a week of preparation, he could be worth considering in Week 3 and beyond.

Sep 18, 2026 6:39 AM EST

AJ Barner Limited to Two Receptions in Week 1

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (oblique) caught two passes for 13 yards in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Barner was kept in check all night, with the Seahawks' offense struggling to move the ball at times. Barner entered the season with a path to a serious breakout after scoring six touchdowns and finishing as the TE14 in 2025. That path still exists and should begin to unfold as the Seahawks' offense finds its footing. With quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) sidelined in Week 1, it is unclear who will be under center next week. However, quarterback Drew Lock is a capable backup, and he should not affect Barner's ability to produce. For now, Barner is still best viewed as a TE. He can still emerge as the season wears on, but we will need to monitor his usage, particularly in the red zone. Expect better production when Seattle visits Arizona in Week 2.

Sep 10, 2026 5:37 AM EST

AJ Barner Could Have a Larger Role After Strong Camp

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner put together a strong camp, and he could be headed for a larger role during the 2026 season. Barner has impressed with 10 touchdowns over his two NFL seasons, and he finished last year as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues. He was able to maintain his fantasy relevance despite facing competition from Elijah Arroyo, who had second-round draft capital last year. This season, we expect Barner to get a similar amount of playing time, and that could actually lead to more volume. Now that he has established himself on offense for two years in a row, he should see his target share increase. Additionally, he should benefit from playing for new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. Fleury was the tight ends coach in San Francisco, so he brings a strong background in the position to his new job with the Seahawks. In fact, it has already been reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Fleury plans to use a lot of two-tight-end sets in Seattle. That bodes well for Barner, who has a very strong chance to emerge as a top-12 fantasy tight end in Year 3.

Sep 9, 2026 6:47 AM EST

AJ Barner a Potential Tight End Option in Week 1

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (oblique) is entering Year 3 entrenched as the No. 1 tight end option in the offense. He could be a solid play in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Barner subtly broke out in 2025. He finished as the TE14 with 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns. While nothing elite, Barner seemed to steadily improve as the season wore on. Through seven games, Barner was averaging 3.14 targets per game. Following Seattle's Week 8 bye, that number crept up to 4.6. Barner remained a large part of the offense into the playoffs, suggesting that he could be a huge offensive piece as we enter the 2026 season. New England was middle-of-the-pack against tight ends in 2026. Week 1 games can be sloppy, and Barner could benefit as an outlet for quarterback Sam Darnold. If you punted on tight end in your draft, and you need a start, Barner is certainly an option you could turn to.

Sep 8, 2026 2:23 PM EST

AJ Barner May Be Undervalued in Drafts Entering 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner emerged as his team's top tight end in 2025, recording 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets across 17 games. Despite his solid production, the presence of 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo in Seattle has led to speculation that Barner's role in the Seahawks' offense could fade in 2026. However, Barner has reportedly been one of the team's standout performers this summer, and he's already proven that he has established red-zone chemistry with Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. If he can earn slightly more overall target volume in 2026, Barner could establish himself as a lower-end TE1 option for fantasy managers.

Sep 2, 2026 12:51 PM EST

AJ Barner Making a Strong Case for Late-Round Attention

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner played through a lot last season and still put together a useful second year. He caught 52 of 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games, with five of those receiving scores coming from inside the 20. Barner needed two surgeries after the season, but he was back for the first practice of training camp and has looked good since. His August 7 practice stood out. Barner broke loose for a long catch-and-run touchdown off play action and added several more intermediate and deep catches from Sam Darnold. Seattle also has a new offensive coordinator in Brian Fleury, who came over after coaching tight ends and coordinating the run game in San Francisco. The tricky part is Elijah Arroyo. Seattle's 2025 second-round pick has had a strong summer himself and should get more chances after catching only 15 passes as a rookie. That could make Barner tough to trust every week. Still, he's healthy, coming off six receiving touchdowns, and has kept making plays in camp. RotoBaller ranks Barner TE29 and 218th overall in PPR, which leaves him worth considering late if you're waiting at tight end.

Aug 22, 2026 10:48 AM EST

AJ Barner an "Ascending" Tight End

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is an "ascending" TE who "should come into his own in Year 3." Barner is finally healthy after multiple offseason surgeries, and new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's scheme "should accelerate his progress." Fowler adds that Barner "can do a little bit of everything." The Seahawks will have two tight ends on the field "very, very often," according to Barner. The 24-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 from the University of Michigan took a step forward last year in his second season, catching 52 of 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games after posting a 30-245-4 line as a rookie. However, with second-year player Elijah Arroyo expected to be a much bigger part of Seattle's passing attack, Barner's fantasy value will likely come with a low ceiling as more of a touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer as long as Arroyo stays healthy. RotoBaller currently has Barner ranked as the No. 29 fantasy TE for the 2026 season, right behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton.

Aug 11, 2026 6:33 AM EST

AJ Barner's Starting Role Does Not Guarantee a Breakout

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner came through two offseason surgeries and opened camp on the field, so the health question has eased. The fantasy question has not. Barner started all 17 games last season and caught 52 of 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Seattle also put him under center 10 times in short-yardage situations, producing nine first downs and another score. There is a useful role here, and the current depth chart still has him first. The concern is what happens between the 20s. Barner averaged only four targets per game, while second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo has been one of the early camp standouts. Brian Fleury's offense should keep both players involved, but more work for Arroyo may come directly out of Barner's receiving ceiling. RotoBaller has Barner at TE27 in PPR, and his current redraft ADP is TE26. That is a fair price, not a screaming value. Barner can help managers in deeper leagues and formats that start two tight ends. In ordinary 12-team leagues, he is better treated as a late option than a breakout target.

Aug 5, 2026 11:29 AM EST

AJ Barner's Scoring Role Gives Him Deep-League Sleeper Appeal

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner turned a quiet rookie year into 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He also scored on one of nine short-yardage carries, a small wrinkle Seattle could keep using near the goal line. Barner stayed on the field, playing 827 offensive snaps and starting every regular-season game while dealing with several injuries. Two offseason surgeries kept him out of spring practices, though he expects to be ready for training camp. That is the first thing to watch. Elijah Arroyo is the other. Seattle's 2025 second-round pick caught 15 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown in 13 games, and his receiving ability could cut into Barner's routes as he develops. Brian Fleury is now running the offense after previously coaching tight ends, so the position should remain involved. More involvement for Arroyo could be part of that, too. RotoBaller ranks Barner as the redraft TE27 and dynasty TE28. He is not a weekly starter yet, but the playing time and scoring role give him sneaky appeal in deeper redraft leagues.

Jul 20, 2026 9:39 AM EST

Should Dynasty Managers Look to Sell High on AJ Barner?

Across 17 games in 2025, Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (undisclosed) recorded 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. The 24-year-old started all 17 games for Seattle and emerged as a key red zone target for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, finishing second on the team in touchdown catches behind only superstar wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, there may be reason to believe that Barner's production will regress in 2026. For one, the tight end underwent two different undisclosed offseason surgeries that kept him from participating in OTAs. Secondly, Barner averaged just four targets per game in his breakout campaign a season ago and could see his target volume fall even further if the Seahawks choose to feature 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo more heavily this season. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on Barner.

Jun 28, 2026 11:48 AM EST

AJ Barner Expected to be Ready for Training Camp

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (undisclosed) hasn't taken part in on-field workouts during the offseason program after having two undisclosed surgeries, but he's "feeling good" and is expected to be back on the field for training camp this summer, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. The 24-year-old was on the weekly injury report for Seattle regularly late last season, being listed with hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, and calf injuries. He still made 20 starts, including the postseason, and he finished with 52 receptions (68 targets) for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts in his second year in the NFL. "I'm going to feel much better, and I'm already feeling much better, and I think that's where I'll see strides," Barner said. "I'm feeling good, and I'm chomping at the bit trying to get back out there." The third-year TE should remain a threat in the red zone for the defending Super Bowl champs in 2026, but the expected emergence of Elijah Arroyo will certainly cap his fantasy ceiling in 2026. RotoBaller has Barner ranked as the No. 27 fantasy TE going into the upcoming season.

Jun 4, 2026 8:45 PM EST

AJ Barner Undergoes Offseason Procedures, Not Taking Part in OTAs

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (undisclosed) was not taking part in the team's OTA practice on Wednesday while recovering from undisclosed offseason procedures, head coach Mike MacDonald told Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. Barner started all 17 regular-season games in 2025 in his second year in the league, although he did battle through some ankle and shoulder injuries along the way to catch 52 of his 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns. The 24-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 out of Michigan finished as the TE14 in half-PPR formats. He should be ready by the time training camp rolls around at the end of July, but Barner is no sure thing to repeat or exceed his numbers from his sophomore campaign with Elijah Arroyo still in the fold and reportedly taking a step forward in his development. If Arroyo earns more targets, as is expected, Barner could take a step back in Year 3. Barner is considered an offseason faller and has dropped to No. 28 in RotoBaller's fantasy TE rankings for the 2026 season.

May 27, 2026 6:11 PM EST

AJ Barner a Prime Regression Candidate Entering 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner emerged as a red zone weapon in 2025, recording 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets across 17 games. Seattle also used the 24-year-old as its "tush push" quarterback, which allowed Barner to pick up an extra touchdown as a rusher. All told, Barner finished as the TE14 in half-PPR fantasy scoring. However, despite the solid year, Barner may profile as a sell-high candidate in dynasty leagues heading into 2026. For one, he remained a low-volume receiver in 2025, averaging just four targets per game. Additionally, the Seahawks could expand the role of 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo, who likely offers a higher upside as a pass-catcher than Barner. Barner's rushing usage gives him some additional fantasy upside, but he's likely too reliant on touchdowns to be counted on as a reliable producer at the tight end position going forward.

May 4, 2026 10:35 AM EST

AJ Barner a Mispriced Dynasty Asset

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner finished 2025 as the TE14 in Half-PPR formats and has yet to turn 24. Still, he is being priced as a low-end TE2 in dynasty startups, often falling to the late double-digit rounds. The 2024 fourth-round pick finished his second season with 58 catches on 71 targets, 586 receiving yards, and seven touchdown grabs, all top-three numbers on a Super Bowl-winning Seahawks team. He was also given valuable snaps under center in short-yardage and goal line situations, allowing him to tally an additional rushing touchdown. Seattle spent a 2025 second-round pick on the playmaking tight end Elijah Arroyo, but Barner was able to hold off any perceived target competition, nearly tripling the rookie in both offensive snaps and targets. While Arroyo is himself a candidate to follow Barner's lead with a second-season leap, Barner should still be viewed as the team's primary pass-catching tight end, representing mispriced value in dynasty leagues, even if he only holds the role rather than expanding upon it.

Apr 10, 2026 5:36 AM EST

AJ Barner Firmly Positioned Atop Depth Chart

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner took a major step forward in 2025, and he remains atop the depth chart heading into 2026. During his second pro season, Barner caught 52 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Not only did he post new career-highs in all three categories, but he also held off any sort of rookie breakout effort from fellow tight end Elijah Arroyo. Coming into the season, it seemed like Arroyo was destined to ascend into the No. 1 role eventually, but that never came to fruition. From a fantasy perspective, Barner emerged as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues. Still just 23 years old, he's trending up in dynasty leagues and could push for a top-12 finish in 2026. The opportunity to buy low on him is running out, but you might still be able to acquire him at a discount if his current manager expects Arroyo to steal some of his volume going forward.

Mar 21, 2026 7:48 AM EST

AJ Barner Coming Off a Big Year in Super Bowl-Winning Offense

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner broke out as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues during his second pro season in 2025. Fully healthy for all 17 games, he racked up 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns in a Seahawks offense that ultimately won Super Bowl LX. Most importantly, he fended off rookie Elijah Arroyo. Before the year, it seemed like Arroyo might push to be the No. 1 tight end, but that never happened because Barner contributed at such a high level. Arroyo will get a little more involved in 2026, but we expect that Barner will remain the top tight end target for Sam Darnold, especially around the goal line. Not only is he trending up in dynasty leagues, but he's also an intriguing option in redraft leagues, especially for managers waiting to take their primary tight end until the later round of fantasy drafts. He'll likely open 2026 draft rankings just outside the top 12 tight ends, but he has top-10 upside.

Feb 18, 2026 11:01 AM EST