Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Elijah Arroyo

Friday, September 5, 2:24 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is not someone worth starting in Week 1. Although Barner appears to be stepping into the No. 1 tight end role in this offense, fantasy managers would be better off waiting to see how the tight end touches are split between Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo. Barner flashed in 2024 with 245 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Those are not eye-popping numbers, but Barner looked athletic and like he belonged on an NFL field. There is a large tight end role to fill in a Klint Kubiak-led offense that is favorable to the position. If Barner receives a lot of opportunities, he could end up being a solid streaming tight end. However, he is also a great blocker, something that Arroyo could use work on. As such, Arroyo could ultimately end up being the receiving tight end with Barner sprinkled in. The snap breakdown between the two in Week 1 will be telling.

Friday, September 5, 2:27 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo has a golden opportunity in front of him. With no established No. 1 tight end in the offense, Arroyo could step into that role early. Arroyo is an athletic freak whom the Seahawks selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His usage in Week 1 should be monitored. He is not someone worth throwing into your lineup this early, but if you have an extra roster spot to play with, he is a worthy stash. His volume and subsequent fantasy value could grow as the season wears on.