Who Should I Start? Stone Smartt or AJ Barner

Thursday, March 13, 4:21 PM

The New York Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smartt was a restricted free agent this offseason but was not tendered by the Bolts, making him available to all teams. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent came on strong late last year for L.A. and finished with career-highs in catches (16) and receiving yards (208) on 19 targets in 15 regular-season games (two starts), although he didn't find the end zone at all. Smartt could have an opportunity to build on his 2024 season in his new home in New York in 2025, as Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah are currently unrestricted free agents. The only other TE on the Jets' current roster is Jeremy Ruckert. The Jets could still add to the position in free agency and the draft, but Smartt will be one to watch heading into training camp this summer.

Friday, November 21, 6:51 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is worth monitoring in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. Barner is coming off a 10-reception, 70-yard game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. He has been inconsistent this season, but he has been a solid fantasy producer more often than not. Seattle projects to have a low passing volume day in Week 12 against a Titans team that has had trouble staying in games this season. However, Barner's target share will be worth monitoring because it could translate to further success later this season. Even so, unless Barner finds the end zone in Week 12 (which he has five times this season) he is unlikely to be particularly useful. If Seattle does indeed lean heavily on the running game this week, most of the passing volume is likely to go to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stash Barner through this week and see how he performs.