Who Should I Start? Noah Fant or AJ Barner

Thursday, July 31, 9:25 AM

Free agent tight end Noah Fant will sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Fant was a first-round pick out of Iowa in 2019 by the Broncos, who included him in the trade for Russell Wilson. Fant spent last season with the Seahawks, catching 48 of his 64 targets for 500 yards and a touchdown. He was a cap casualty earlier this offseason, though, and became a free agent. He visited the Dolphins and Saints along with the Bengals, but he will now join a stacked Cincinnati offense that will likely feature both him and Mike Gesicki at tight end, along with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as top pass-catchers for quarterback Joe Burrow. Fant's target share is a little uncertain, which keeps him from being a starter in standard leagues, but he's a solid depth option with some breakout potential, depending on how he gels with his new squad.

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.