Who Should I Start? Pharaoh Brown or AJ Barner

Friday, March 14, 3:30 PM

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement with former Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown on a one-year contract. The financial terms have not been disclosed. The 30-year-old will join his sixth NFL team since signing with the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. Brown was the third-leading snap-getter for the Seahawks in 2024 (264), though it only amounted to eight receptions and 65 scoreless yards across 15 games. The Oregon product presents as a depth piece for Miami, as he'll likely compete for playing time with fellow tight end Julian Hill behind Jonnu Smith, who led the team in receptions a season ago.

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.