Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or AJ Barner

Wednesday, August 6, 6:16 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) was back on the practice field at training camp on Wednesday after missing the very end of practice on Tuesday, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. The Steelers weren't in pads on Wednesday, but it's still a good sign that Smith's knee injury isn't very serious. The 29-year-old should be just fine for the start of the regular season in early September, but it remains to be seen if he'll play in the first preseason game this Saturday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pretty much all of the fantasy excitement around Smith went away after he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Steelers this offseason. He broke out in 2024 with an 88-884-8 line in 17 games (six starts) but will now most likely be the second pass-catching TE in Pittsburgh behind Pat Freiermuth.

Sunday, January 5, 8:18 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner scored his fourth touchdown of the season in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie out of Michigan has proven to be a solid contributor all season. He will finish the year with 245 yards on 30 receptions in addition to the touchdowns. Barner has a chance to become a more integral part of Seattle's offense in 2025. He has already displayed solid pass-catching chops and solid run after catch ability this season. He also started several games in place of tight end Noah Fant this season. He displayed that he has what it takes to be a potential starting tight end in this league. Barner is worth monitoring throughout the offseason to see what kind of buzz he generates in camp. He is also worth a roster spot in dynasty should he have a full second-year breakout. The future looks like it could be bright for this kid.