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.

Monday, November 3, 9:35 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner was able to find the end zone once again during Sunday's win over the Washington Commanders. Barner hauled in three of his four targets for 24 yards through the air. His biggest contribution came when he took a direct snap in the third quarter and ran into the end zone for a touchdown. Barner has now scored a touchdown in three of his last five games. The 23-year-old continues splitting up time with Elijah Arroyo, which limits his value. Despite that, Barner has done enough on the field lately to warrant a look as a streaming option for Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.