Who Should I Start? Noah Brown or AJ Barner

Thursday, March 13, 1:45 PM

Free-agent wide receiver Noah Brown (kidney) is re-signing with the Washington Commanders on Thursday on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Brown, who caught the Hail Mary touchdown pass in the wild win over the Chicago Bears during the 2024 regular season, caught 35 of his 56 targets for 453 yards and one touchdown in 11 regular-season games (nine starts) in his first year in D.C. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old suffered a kidney laceration late in the year and finished the season on Injured Reserve. He should be all healed up for the start of the 2025 season this fall, though, and will give the Commanders additional receiving depth behind top wideouts Terry McLaurin and newcomer Deebo Samuel Sr. While Brown did have a bigger role on offense right before his injury, he'll have a limited fantasy ceiling as the No. 3 as long as both McLaurin and Samuel stay healthy.

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.