Who Should I Start? Josh Whyle or AJ Barner

Thursday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm was listed as the team's second tight end on the first unofficial depth chart, behind only Chig Okonkwo and ahead of Josh Whyle, who was the team's second tight end last year. The Titans drafted Helm out of Texas with the No. 120 pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft after he logged 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns in Texas's quick passing game. Helm had a bad combine, potentially due to injury, but he has earned playing time with a strong training camp and could become a favorite target for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Helm and the Titans start preseason on Saturday in Tampa Bay, and it will be important to see exactly how the tight end work is divided going into Week 1 against the Broncos.

Wednesday, February 18, 11:01 AM

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.